Necrotizing Fasciitis: Review of the Literature and Case Report

Abstract

“Necrotizing fasciitis” was the name rendered by Wilson 1 Wilson B. Necrotizing fasciitis. Ann Surg. 1952; 58: 144 Google Scholar in 1952. However, severe life-threatening necrotizing infections have been recognized throughout history, especially among military surgeons. 2 Ord R. Coletti D. Cervico-facial necrotizing fasciitis. Oral Dis. 2009; 15: 133 Crossref PubMed Scopus (37) Google Scholar Hippocrates, the Greek “father of medicine,” described necrotizing fasciitis (NF). 3 Adams F. The Genuine Works of Hippocrates. in: Syndenham Society, London1771: 400-401 Google Scholar NF was also described by Claude Ponteau, chief surgeon to the Hotel Dieu in Lyon, in 1783. 4 Blackadder H.H. Observations on Phagedena Gangraenosa. David Brown, Edinburgh1818 Google Scholar Past names given to the disease complex include malignant ulcer, gangrenous ulcer, putrid ulcer, phagedenis ulcer, phagedena gangraenosa, hospital gangrene, 5 McGurk M. Diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis in the head and neck region. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2003; 15: 59 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (16) Google Scholar gangrenous erysipelas, necrotizing cellulitis, Fournier gangrene, 6 Fournier J.A. Gangrene fourdroyant de la verge. Sem Med. 1883; 3: 345 Google Scholar and Meleney gangrene. 7 Meleney F. Hemolytic streptococcus gangrene. Arch Surg. 1924; 9: 317 Crossref Google Scholar NF was recorded at the Gendarmerie Hospital in Brussels after the Battle of Waterloo, 8 Henne J. Principles of Military Surgery. Constable, Edinburgh1820 Google Scholar and Florence Nightingale noted 80 cases in 1 month in Scutari. 9 Nightingale F. Notes on Hospitals. (ed 3). Longman, Green, London1863 Google Scholar In 1871 Jones, 10 Jones J. Investigation upon the nature, causes and treatment of hospital gangrene as prevailed in the Confederate armies 1861-1865. in: Surgical Memoirs of the War of the Rebellion. Hurd and Houghton, New York, NY1871: 142-580 Google Scholar a Confederate Army surgeon, referenced over 2,600 cases of “hospital gangrene” that bore a 46% fatality rate. Pfanner 11 Pfanner W. Fur Kenntis ud Behandlung des Nekrotisierenden Erysipelas. Deutsch Ztscher F Chir. 1918; 144: 108 Crossref Scopus (45) Google Scholar in 1918 described “necrotizing erysipelas” shown to be caused by a β-hemolytic streptococcus. Meleney 7 Meleney F. Hemolytic streptococcus gangrene. Arch Surg. 1924; 9: 317 Crossref Google Scholar in 1924 described 20 cases from Peking characterized by extensive and rapid subcutaneous necrosis due to β-hemolytic streptococci. Reports of “suppurative fasciitis” by McCafferty and Lyons 12 McCafferty E.L. Lyons C. Suppurative fasciitis as an essential feature of hemolytic streptococcus gangrene with notes on fasciotomy and early wound closure as treatment of choice. Surgery. 1948; 24: 438 PubMed Google Scholar in 1948 referred to a reduction in morbidity through early recognition and surgical intervention.