Case Of Necrotizing Fasciitis Research Articles

496 Necrotising Fasciitis Within a Single Centre: A 5 Year Retrospective Review

Abstract Aim Necrotising Fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing soft tissue infection that necessitates prompt diagnosis and management. This study examined NF cases over a 5-year period at Bradford Royal Infirmary and those referred from local hospitals to enhance patient care and outcomes. Method Cases coded as “Necrotising Fasciitis” between April 2018 and January 2023 were retrospectively reviewed using electronic records. These encompassed patients transferred for plastic surgery input and those admitted under various specialties. Data on risk factors, admission details, surgical interventions, microbiology results, and outcomes were collected. Microbiology results included histology, tissue, swabs and blood cultures if sent. Results A total of 50 cases were identified - 33 male and 17 female patients with a mean age of 53 (range of 25-93). The mean Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) score was 8.6 prior to debridement. Of the 13 cases with histological confirmation, 2 were calculated as low risk and 2 as intermediate. Tissue cultures showed 21 cases with E. Coli and/or Mixed Anaerobes (Type 1) and 8 with Group A Strep and/or Staph Aureus (Type 2). 4 cases did not require debridement, while others needed an average of 2.3 debridements. 23 of the 45 patients required reconstruction by the local plastics team. 37 patients of the total 50 were discharged, 3 self-discharged and 10 died acutely (22.2% mortality rate). Conclusions While the LRINEC score is a valuable indicator for NF, histology demonstrates its limitations. It is an adjunct, not a substitute, to clinical diagnosis, ensuring accurate management and preventing misdiagnosis.

Prognostic Factors in Necrotizing Fasciitis: Insights from a Two-Decade, Two-Center Study Involving 209 Cases.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a critical disease with high morbidity and mortality rates that poses significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Prognostic factors for the clinical course of NF remain unclear and are currently under research. This study aims to identify such factors in a large cohort of patients which represents a major comprehensive investigation of prognostic factors for NF. Retrospective analysis was conducted on necrotizing fasciitis cases from 2003 to 2023 at two German hospitals. Data included demographics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, infection site, causative microorganisms and outcomes. Statistical analysis involved t-tests, chi-square tests, and ROC analysis. A total of 209 patients were included, with a mortality rate of 18%. Patients were categorized into survivors (n = 171) and non-survivors (n = 38). Non-survivors were significantly older (68.9 ± 13.9 years vs. 55.9 ± 14.3 years; p < 0.01) and exhibited a higher prevalence of peripheral vascular diseases, cancer, and heart, liver, or renal insufficiency. Laboratory findings and scoring results also varied significantly between the two groups. The ROC curve analysis identified age as a predictor of mortality, with an optimal cut-off value of 68.5 years (sensitivity: 60.5%, specificity: 81.9%). Higher age was associated with increased mortality risk. The patient's age stands out as the primary predictive element for mortality in necrotizing fasciitis. Additionally, we advocate for employing the Laboratory and Anamnestic Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LARINF-score), which holds substantial prognostic significance and is straightforward to calculate. Considering our findings, crafting a clinical algorithm or scoring mechanism to forecast mortality in NF would be a promising target for future research.

Pathogens and their resistance behavior in necrotizing fasciitis.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare but life-threatening condition in which extensive soft tissue destruction can occur very quickly if left untreated. Therefore, timely broad-spectrum antibiotic administration is of prognostic importance in addition to radical surgical debridement. This study evaluates the cases of NF in our hospital during the last ten years retrospectively with respect to the pathogens involved and their antimicrobial resistance. This approach aims to provide guidance regarding the most targeted initial antibiotic therapy. We performed a retrospective microbiological study evaluating pathogen detection and resistance patterns including susceptibility testing of 42 patients with NF. Type 1 NF (polymicrobial infection) occurred in 45% of the patients; 31% presented type 2 NF (monomicrobial infection). The most common pathogens detected were E. coli, staphylococci such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis, enterococci, and streptococci such as Streptococcus pyogenes. Twelve percent presented an additional fungus infection (type 4). Ten percent showed no cultivation. Two percent (one patient) presented cocci without specification. Most pathogens were sensitive to antibiotics recommended by guidelines. This confirms the targeting accuracy of the guidelines. Further studies are necessary to identify risk factors associated with multidrug resistant infections requiring early vancomycin/meropenem administration.

Rectal perforation secondary to invasive cervical cancer presenting as perineal necrotizing fasciitis with subsequent hindquarter amputation: a case report

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft tissue infection rarely associated with gynecological malignancies. We present a unique case of NF arising from a locally advanced cervical cancer eroding into the rectum, causing occult fecal spillage leading to severe infection and necessitating a hindquarter amputation. A 39-year-old woman presented with sepsis and a necrotic gluteal wound. Extensive debridement revealed "dishwater"-like discharge throughout the left leg fascial compartments, necessitating hindquarter amputation. Despite initial suspicion of a primary skin infection, further investigation revealed a posterolateral rectal perforation secondary to advanced cervical cancer, confirmed by biopsy and imaging. Microbiology identified Streptococcus constellatus, intermedius, and anginosus. This case highlights the atypical presentation of NF associated with advanced cervical cancer. High clinical suspicion and early surgical intervention are crucial for survival. This case expands the understanding of NF etiology and emphasizes the importance of considering rare causes, even in the absence of traditional risk factors.

Increase in Streptococcal Necrotizing Fasciitis During and After the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening and rare condition. However, we report and analyze a remarkably high number of NF cases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and especially in the first months after the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 17 cases of NF treated in our clinic between January and May 2023. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, risk factors, laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes. For each individual case two risk indicating scores, the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) and Laboratory and Anamnestic Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LARINF) were calculated. Results: In the pandemic years 2021 and 2022 there were 21 and 30 patients with NF, respectively, treated in our clinic. Of the 17 included NF cases in this study from January until May 2023, 16 cases required intensive care unit (ICU) admission, six cases required limb amputation, and four cases resulted in death. The microbiologic examination revealed seven cases of polymicrobial infections, eight cases of monomicrobial infections primarily caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, and two cases without microbial growth. The LRINEC score showed a sensitivity of 82%, whereas the LARINF score demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% for identifying cases of NF. Conclusions: This study highlights a notable increase in NF during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, predominantly associated with Streptococcus pyogenes-induced infections. These cases demonstrate a highly aggressive nature, leading to limb amputation or death in more than half of the cases.

A CASE REPORT OF NECROTIZING FASCIITIS OF THE NECK AND ANTERIOR CHEST WALL CAUSED BY ODONTOGENIC INFECTION IN ELDERLY: DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT IN RURAL AREA

Introduction: Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) is bacterial infection spreading rapidly affecting soft tissue and muscular fascia. It's life threatening and fatal, leads to tissue necrosis, sepsis, and death. It has high mortality number especially in elderly. Purpose: To report a rare case of odontogenic NF in elderly patient extending to the neck, left upper limb and anterior chest wall, diagnosed and treated in district hospital with limited facilities. Case Report: A 65 years old male with painful left neck swelling and fluctuating gangrenous appearance start form the mastoid bone to infraclavicular area crossing to the right close with sternal area. Swelling and fluctuating area also found in left axillar and left arm. Thirteen hours after hospital admission, the patient was sent to operating room to do the wound debridement. Wound care was carried out daily in intensive care unit and inpatient ward. 14 days postoperatively patient was send out to continue the wound care in outpatient department. 28 days postoperatively, skin grafting was done. Conclusion: Fourteen days postoperatively patient was sent to outpatient department to continue his wound care. After wound care in order to wound prepare for skin grafting. 28 days postoperatively, 14 days after patient discharge from hospital, skin grafting was done to close the wound defect.

Head and Neck Necrotizing Fasciitis: Abbreviated SOFA Score Associated With Death and Infection Spread.

Describe features unique to head and neck (H&N) necrotizing fasciitis (NF) compared to other anatomic regions and specify a prognostic score associated with death and descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM). Retrospective cohort. Tertiary care, level 1 trauma center. A single-institution database identified 399 confirmed cases of NF between 2006 and 2021, 33 of which involved the H&N. Patients with confirmed H&N NF were sorted into cohorts based on clinical outcomes, with the "poor" outcomes group defined by death and/or DNM. Thirty-three patients with H&N NF were included. Compared to NF of other regions, patients with H&N NF had a significantly lower mortality rate (6.06% vs 20.8%, p = .041) and significantly lower rates of obesity (27.3% vs 63.7%, p < .001) and hypertension (42.4% vs 60.9%, p = .038). Within the H&N group, there were 2 deaths (6.06%) and 8 cases of DNM (24.2%). Diabetes was associated with poor outcomes (p = .047), as was an abbreviated sequential organ failure assessment score for necrotizing fasciitis (nfSOFA) of 2 or greater (p = .015). H&N NF is unique among other forms of NF, with a lower mortality rate and lower rates of obesity and hypertension in affected patients. Within the H&N cohort, worse outcomes were associated with diabetes as well as a nfSOFA score of 2 or greater. Timely surgical debridement alongside broad-spectrum antibiotics remains the mainstay of treatment for NF; however, this simple prognostic score may play a role during the early stages of care for patients with H&N NF.

A case of necrotizing fasciitis developing after cesarean section

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare condition that is observed in obstetric and gynecological practices. It is a rapidly progressive and often fatal complication. Failure to obtain an early diagnosis and delay in initiating appropriate treatment can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Our case was 25 years old, and she was in her first pregnancy. The patient had no systemic disease or history of previous surgery. Our patient’s baby was delivered by cesarean section with an indication of emergency fetal distress. During the cesarean section, it was observed that the amniotic fluid contained very dark meconium. No complications occurred during the cesarean section. Our patient presented with complaints of severe pain, bullae, and hyperemia at the level of the incision line one week later. In her vital findings, fever was 39.3 ºC, blood pressure was 90/60 mmHg, and heart rate was 110 /min. In laboratory tests, white blood cell count was 25,280 /mm3, C-reactive protein (CRP) was 431 mg/dL, and sedimentation was 100 mm/hour. On the ultrasonographic examination, air, significant edema, and thickening were observed in the incision line, skin, and subcutaneous tissues. On the computed tomography scan, thickening of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, fluid locations, and areas of air densities were observed over a wide area extending to the level of the thoracic 10th and 11th vertebrae superiorly and to the mons pubis inferiorly. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with NF. After broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and fluid-electrolyte support, extensive surgical debridement was performed under emergency conditions. Before applying the skin graft, vacuum-assisted wound closure was performed, and a very good response was obtained. The patient, whose pathology result was compatible with necrotizing fasciitis, was discharged on the 20th post-operative day. In this case, we aimed to present a case of NF after cesarean section.

Three Ds for diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis by front-line clinicians

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening infection and a surgical emergency. Not all clinicians have the experience or resources to detect NF in its early stages. To develop a diagnostic algorithm for primary care and emergency physicians to identify patients with possible NF, including an initial approach to triaging such individuals. Medline was searched to identify studies of validated algorithms for NF diagnosis and/or cohort or case series providing clinical and diagnostic features of NF. Candidate algorithms were validated via application to 3 published cases of initially misdiagnosed NF. We retrospectively reviewed NF cases between 2011 and 2022 at our center to validate our algorithm. The search yielded 540 articles; 109 were included following a review of abstracts. No published validated diagnostic algorithm was identified. Using the reported clinical and diagnostic features of NF, we generated an algorithm of the "3Ds" of NF: Disproportionate pain, Dermatological findings, and Disorganized physiology. A larger number of Ds indicated a greater level of suspicion for NF and prioritization for urgent surgical consultation. In 3 published cases of missed NF, the 3Ds algorithm successfully identified all as having possible NF. On reviewing our cases, we identified 56 patients with NF during an 11 year period. 66% of whom had the 3Ds at their initial presentation. The 3Ds algorithm, a simple and easy-to-remember tool can be easily applied in a primary or emergency care setting, and may improve the early diagnosis of NF. Retrospective analysis of NF cases allows for validation of this algorithm. However, this algorithm requires prospective validation.

High mortality risk of type III monomicrobial gram-negative necrotizing fasciitis: The role of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) and Klebsiella pneumoniae

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of reclassified new type III monomicrobial gram-negative necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and the microbial factors associated with an increased risk of mortality. MethodsThis study included 235 NF cases treated at National Taiwan University Hospital. We compared the mortality risk of NF caused by different causal microorganisms and examined the bacterial virulence genes profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern associated with an increase in mortality risk. ResultsType III NF (n = 68) had a mortality risk two-fold higher than type I (polymicrobial, n = 64) or type II (monomicrobial gram-positive, n = 79) NF (42.6% vs 23.4% or 19.0%, P = 0.019 and 0.002, respectively). Mortality differed by causal microorganism (Escherichia coli [61.5%], Klebsiella pneumoniae [40.0%], Aeromonas hydrophila [37.5%], Vibrio vulnificus [25.0%], polymicrobial [23.4%], group A streptococci [16.7%], and Staphylococcus aureus [16.2%], in decreasing rank, P <0.001). Type III NF caused by E. coli, identified as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) via virulence gene analyses, was associated with a particularly high mortality risk (adjusted odds ratio: 6.51, P = 0.003) after adjusting for age and comorbidities. Some (38.5%/7.7%) of the E. coli strains were non-susceptible to third/fourth-generation cephalosporins but remained susceptible to carbapenems. ConclusionType III NF, especially cases caused by E. coli or K. pneumoniae, are associated with a comparatively higher mortality risk than type I or type II NF. Wound gram stain-based rapid diagnosis of type III NF may inform empirical antimicrobial therapy to include a carbapenem.

Bilateral non‐contiguous necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremities

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon soft tissue infection. Multifocal-extremity NF is a rarity with high mortality rates. Herein we report a case of bilateral non-contiguous NF of the lower extremities due to Escherichia coli with a fatal outcome, stressing the necessity of rapid and aggressive intervention in suspected cases.

Measures of Admission Immunocoagulopathy as an Indicator for In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Retrospective Study.

Demographic data, infection characteristics, and laboratory values from 389 confirmed necrotizing fasciitis cases from a single institution were analyzed. A multivariable logistic regression model was built on admission immunocoagulopathy measures (absolute neutrophil, absolute lymphocyte, and platelet counts) and patient age to predict in-hospital mortality. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 19.8% for the 389 cases and 14.6% for the 261 cases with complete measures of immunocoagulopathy on admission. A multivariable logistic regression model indicated that platelet count was the most important predictor of mortality, followed by age and absolute neutrophil count. Greater age, higher neutrophil count, and lower platelet count led to significantly higher risk of mortality. The model discriminated well between survivors and non-survivors, with an overfitting-corrected C-index of 0.806. This study determined that measures of immunocoagulopathy and patient age at admission effectively prognosticated the in-hospital mortality risk of patients with necrotizing fasciitis. Given the accessibility of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet count measurements determined from a simple complete blood-cell count with differential, future prospective studies examining the utility of these measures are warranted. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Causative Micro-Organisms in Necrotizing Fasciitis and their Influence on Inflammatory Parameters and Clinical Outcome.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a potentially fatal soft tissue infection. Four types of pathogens can be distinguished in the pathogen spectrum, although there are strong regional differences with regard to the most common pathogens. Patients and Methods: All cases of NF between 2003 and 2021 with an identified causative agent were analyzed retrospectively. The cases were divided into three groups: polymicrobial, gram-positive and gram-negative. Demographic factors, localization of infection, inflammatory parameters, and clinical outcome were compared between the three groups. Results: A total of 95 cases were analyzed, 41% of which were caused by multiple pathogens. A gram-positive pathogen was reported in 40% of cases and a gram-negative pathogen in 19%. There were significant differences between the three groups with respect to age (with patients in the gram-negative group being on average the oldest) and intensive care unit admissions (which was most frequent in the polymicrobial group). Conclusions: The pathogen spectrum of NF has rarely been studied in a large patient population. Gram-positive pathogens account for the majority of monomicrobial infections in our study. Nevertheless, we recommend calculated broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy given the high number of polymicrobial infections and gram-negative infections. Gram-negative infections may be associated with increased mortality, elevated procalcitonin levels, and are relatively frequent in NF of the lower extremities.

Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis: An Institutional Experience.

Introduction Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is an acute, progressive, and rapidly spreading soft tissue infection affecting the fascial planes of the head and neck region. It has high morbidity and mortality rate. In this study, we have reviewed cervical necrotizing fasciitis cases treated in our department and analyzed the various risk factors, laboratory indices, and treatment modalities that affect the prognosis of this deadly disease. Design and method This is a retrospective review. We have reviewed the medical records and charts of seven patients hospitalized in our institute with the diagnosis of cervical necrotizing fasciitis between 2015 and 2019. Results Of the seven patients, six were male and one was female. The mean age was 49.8 years (range: 38-70 years). Etiology was found to be odontogenic infection in five (71%) cases. The presenting feature in all cases was tender cervical swelling. Intraoperatively, the submandibular triangle was found to be involved in all cases (100%) followed by the carotid triangle in five (71%) cases and the submental triangle in three (42%) cases. The most common comorbidities associated with cervical necrotizing fasciitis were found to be uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and anemia. All patients underwent emergency aggressive surgical debridement and culture-directed broad-spectrum antibiotics (100%). Additional procedures in the form of tracheostomy were required in two (28%) cases and skin grafting in two (28%) cases. One patient in our series developed sepsis with descending mediastinitis. The average hospital stay was 27 days. All the patients survived with no mortality. Conclusion Cervical necrotizing fasciitis should be diagnosed early. Early initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics and aggressive surgical debridement are the two key management strategies that can improve survival. Strict glycemic control and correction of anemia result in a favorable outcome.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Associated with Hailey-Hailey Disease: A Rare Case.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare and life-threatening infection of soft tissue characterised by rapid and extensive destruction of the skin, subcutaneous fat, and fascia. Early diagnosis of NF is challenging, and it can be very difficult to distinguish NF from other infectious diseases of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Imaging studies and laboratory investigations are crucial diagnostic means for NF. We diagnosed a case of NF with multiple organ dysfunction and septic shock, and this is the first case of NF associated with Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) to our knowledge. Clinicians should be alert to signs and symptoms of NF in HHD and other skin diseases with damaged skin barrier function such as pemphigus, pemphigoid, and all kinds of ulcers, especially in diabetic and immunosuppressed patients. Key Words: Necrotizing fasciitis, Genodermatosis, Hailey-Hailey disease.

Necrotising Fasciitis following Intramuscular Injection in a Nigerian Neonate: A case report

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare but severe, life-threatening bacterial infection of the fascia, with secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues. Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by an infection of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fascia by one or more bacterial organisms, resulting in the death of these tissues. NF is rare in neonates, but it has been reported following omphalitis, balanitis, mastitis, and postoperative complications. The mortality in neonates with necrotizing fasciitis has been reported to be as high as fifty per cent. We report a case of NF in a term male neonate with an intramuscular injection at the left shoulder at birth under suspected septic conditions. The wound swab yielded Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas species, while the blood culture yielded Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas species. The infant received antibiotics, and the wound was debrided. He was discharged after sixteen days of hospitalization. This case is reported to highlight the possible role of injections under septic conditions as a risk for necrotizing fasciitis in the newborn. Health workers are encouraged to ensure aseptic skin preparation before injections.

Necrotizing Fasciitis: Evaluation of 85 Cases and Usage of LRINEC Score.

The present study aims to define the characteristics of the necrotizing fasciitis (NF) cases followed at our hospital and to compare our results with the literature. In this study, NF cases followed and treated at our hospital from January 2005 to April 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 85 cases of NF were included in the study. Of the cases, 33 (39%) were female and the median age was 59.8±13.1 years (range: 26-92 years). Diabetes mellitus (DM) (56%) was the most prevalent comorbid condition. Extremities were the most frequently involved field found in 41 (48%) of the cases followed by Fournier's gangrene found in 34 (40%) of the cases. All of the cases had undergone surgical intervention (debridement and/or amputation) and received broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score was calculated for 60 cases, and it was 6 or higher in 78% of them. Nineteen (22%) of 85 cases had died. Necrotizing fasciitis affects generally older male patients with DM. In NF cases to avoid the higher risk of mortality, the removal of necrotic tissue via surgical procedure together with antimicrobial therapy is required urgently; therefore, it is very important to differentiate NF from soft tissue infections as soon as possible. As the LRINEC score predicted NF among nearly 80% of our patients, this score could be used as an early diagnostic tool of NF. Level IV, case series.

Проблеми термінології та клінічного кодування некротизуючого фасціїту

Purpose - to analyze the typical defects of the formulation of the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis (NF), to verify the lexically correct term NF, to develop proposals for the correct coding of NF according to ICD-10-AM. Materials and methods. The medical records of 150 patients who during 1999-2021 were treated in two hospitals of Lviv City (Ukraine) for necrotizing fasciitis was analyzed. Compared diagnoses when referred to the hospital, preliminary and final clinical diagnoses, preoperative and postoperative diagnoses, recorded their statistical codes for ICD-10. An analysis of Ukrainian and Russian-language surgical publications available in Ukraine for the period from 1985 to 2021 on the keywords «surgical soft tissue infection», «necrotizing fasciitis», «soft tissue necrosis». Results. In 142 (95.0%) of the 150 patients operated on for NF, the diagnosis was not correctly formulated during referral. Most often NF was directed and in the initial stages was treated under the guise of other diagnoses: «phlegmon», «erysipelas», «thrombophlebitis», «gangrene», «perianal abscess». NF was suspected by the surgeon prior to the first surgery only in 53 (35.33%) patients. In other cases, it was diagnosed intraoperatively or during repeated interventions. Codes corresponding to other forms of surgical infection were often used for statistical coding of NF. We also worked on lexical variants of the term «necrotizing fasciitis» in Ukrainian language. Conclusions. It was worked out the most correct terminologically Ukrainian equivalent of the diagnosis «necrotizing fasciitis». For statistical coding of NF, it should be designated as the main active disease by code M72.6. The use of a unified term and statistical coding will allow in the future to form a single within the state diagnostic-related group for fair reimbursement of funds to health care providers for treated cases of NF. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local ethics committee of all participating institutions. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors. Key words: necrotizing fasciitis, terminology, international classification of diseases.

POINT-OF-CARE ULTRASOUND IN THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF NECROTIZING FASCIITIS.

The aim: To detect the ultrasonographic signs of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) suitable for its early diagnosis. Materials and methods: Eigty two patients with soft tissue infection, including 14 with necrotizing faciitis, were examined by ultrasonography at the admission. Ultrasonografic features were compared to intraoperative findings by the same surgeon. Results: The thickening of subcutaneous tissue had high sensitivity (100%), but low specificity (5.8%). The hypoechoic and hyperechoic zones had the shape of "cobblestone" with sensitivity - 78.5%, specificity - 33.8%. Higher specificity (69.1%) had sign of "cobblestone separation" on two layers. The presence of fluid above the fascia (sensitivity - 71.4%; specificity - 69.1%), thickening of the fascia (sensitivity - 85.7%; specificity - 58.8%), indistinctness of the fascia edges (sensitivity - 85.7%; specificity - 66.1%) and loss of fascial homogeneity (sensitivity - 71.4%, specificity - 66.1%) were noted in early stages of NF. Advanced cases of NF were accompanied by the dissection of thick¬ened fascia with a strip of fluid (sensitivity - 57.1%, specificity - 92.6%) and accumulation of a fluid under the fascia (sensitivity - 28.5%, specificity - 95.5%). The muscles thickening (sensitivity - 28.5%; specificity - 67.6%), skin thickening (sensitivity - 57.1%; specificity - 58.8%), and loss of the skin's lower edge clarity (sensitivity - 57.1%; specificity - 63.2%) don't have diagnostic value without other signs of NF. Conclusions: Point-of-care ultrasonography allows visualization of soft tissue changes that may be hidden in the initial stages of necrotizing fasciitis and should be recommended for implementation as mandatory method of examination in patients with suspected surgical soft tissue infection.

Diagnostic Key Points and Surgical Management of Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Retrospective Study.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a fatal disease with a high mortality rate that can be easily misdiagnosed. The aim of this study was to improve the diagnostic rate of NF and overall survival. We conducted a single-center, retrospective, noncontrolled study involving 36 patients who were admitted to our department between December 2017 and October 2019, and summarized the diagnostic key points and timing of surgical treatment. All patients were diagnosed at our department and underwent multiple courses of treatment. The records included information regarding underlying diseases, bacterial culture results, laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score, number of procedures, and type of antibiotics. All 36 cases of NF were cured and showed good patient condition on follow-up; the mean number of surgeries was three, and the mean duration of hospitalization was 37 days (range, 21-83 days). The LRINEC scores of 16 patients were ≥8 points. Seventeen patients with underlying diabetic disease had higher inflammatory index scores than those without diabetes. The LRINEC scores of patients with (n = 17) and without (n = 19) DM were 7.40 ± 2.99 and 3.80 ± 2.39, respectively (P < .01). Cases of NF that were treated with early incision and surgical abscess drainage required fewer surgeries and a shorter length of hospitalization. Thus, surgeons should be more aware of NF and aim to make an early and accurate diagnosis using various approaches. Complete surgical debridement plays an essential role in NF treatment, and diabetes mellitus is a significant adverse factor that exacerbates the severity of NF. Negative-pressure techniques are useful in cases involving nonanaerobic infections and cause minimal complications.