Life-threatening Soft Tissue Infection Research Articles

Necrotising fasciitis with extensive necrosis caused by Lactobacillus: a case report

BackgroundNecrotising fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft-tissue infection that rapidly destroys the epidermis, subcutaneous tissue, and fascia. Despite their low virulence, Lactobacillus spp. can cause NF, and because of its rare incidence, there is limited information about its molecular and clinicopathological characteristics. We report a rare case of NF in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosed on admission and severe obesity due to infection with two types of Lactobacillus spp. that manifested in extensive necrosis.Case presentationA 48-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a complaint of difficulty walking due to severe bilateral thigh pain. She presented with mild erythema, swelling, and severe skin pain extending from the pubic region to the groin. The patient was morbidly obese, had renal dysfunction, and had diabetes mellitus diagnosed on admission.; her LRINEC (Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis) score was 9, indicating a high risk of NF. An exploratory surgical incision was made, and NF was diagnosed based on fascial necrosis. Emergent surgical debridement was performed, and cultures of the tissue culture and aspirated fluid/pus revealed two types of Lactobacillus spp.: Lactobacillus salivarius and L. iners. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), where antibiotics were administered and respiratory and circulatory management was performed. Diabetic ketoacidosis was detected, which was treated by controlling the blood glucose level stringently via intravenous insulin infusion. The patient underwent a second debridement on day 11 and a skin suture and skin grafting on day 36. The patient progressed well, was transferred from the ICU to the general ward on day 41, and was discharged unassisted on day 73.ConclusionsLactobacillus spp. are rarely pathogenic to healthy individuals and can scarcely trigger NF. However, these bacteria can cause rare infections such as NF in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with diabetes and obesity, and an early diagnosis of NF is imperative; surgical intervention may be required for the prevention of extensive necrosis. The LRINEC score may be useful for the early diagnosis of NF, even for less pathogenic bacteria such as Lactobacillus.

Implementation of a Standardized Management Protocol Improved the Survival of Patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis

Abstract Background Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft tissue infection requiring urgent interventions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of implementation of a standardized management protocol on the outcome of NF patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods We initiated a management protocol for NF patients in 2012 at our institution. The protocol consisted of early surgical intervention, initial board-spectrum antibiotic regimen, daily wound inspection, repeated debridement, and inter-professional collaboration. Herein, we reviewed the NF cases admitted between 2005 and 2018 and compared their clinical features and outcome before and after the protocol implementation. All of the NF cases underwent were confirmed by intraoperative findings. Results We included 134 NF patients before (2005 to 2011, n = 62) and after (2013 to 2018, n = 72) the protocol implementation. The baseline patient profile from these two periods were largely similar, except that after protocol implementation, more patients presented with erythema (64.5% vs 84.7%) and a higher C-reactive protein level (65.5% vs 85.5%) on admission. Notably, the day 28-censored mortality was significantly lower after protocol implementation (40.3% vs 13.9%). By analyzing the 28-day mortality with univariate and multivariate model, initial presentation with neutropenia was identified as a risk factor [hazard ratio (HR) = 8.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.76-40.6], while protocol implementation (HR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.11-0.71) was a protective factor. Conclusions A multidisciplinary bundle care protocol for NF including board-spectrum empirical antibiotic regimen and inter-professional collaboration was feasible, which was associated with improved overall and 28-day survival.

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.

A Case of Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Breast Following Lumpectomy and Oncoplastic Closure

Background. NF is a life-threatening soft tissue infection that most commonly occurs in the lower extremity. While presenting symptoms such as erythema, severe pain, sepsis, and wound crepitation are well documented, diagnosis of NF of the breast often is obscured by a low clinical index of suspicion due to its relative rarity as well as by the breast parenchyma that physically separates the underlying fascia and overlying skin. Several risk factors have previously been identified, such as underlying infection, diabetes, advanced age, and immunosuppression. However, the gross morbidity and high mortality associated with NF warrant continued surveillance of contributing factors across any anatomic location. Fifteen cases in the literature document the development of NF following breast surgery. Case Report. The authors of this case report aim to expand on the current literature through the presentation of a unique case of NF of the breast following right breast lumpectomy and oncoplastic closure with left reduction mammaplasty in an immunocompromised patient found to have concurrent perforated sigmoid diverticulitis. Conclusion. This case exemplifies how frequent postoperative surveillance, a low threshold for intervention, and efficient coordination of care are vital to minimizing the morbidity and mortality risks associated with NF of the breast.

Practical Review of Necrotizing Fasciitis: Principles and Evidence-based Management.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, life-threatening soft tissue infection that presents as a surgical emergency. It is characterized by a rapid progression of inflammation leading to extensive tissue necrosis and destruction. Nonetheless, the diagnosis might be missed or delayed due to variable and nonspecific clinical presentation, contributing to high mortality rates. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt, aggressive medical and surgical treatment are paramount. In this review, we highlight the defining characteristics, pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, current principles of treatment, and evolving management strategies of necrotizing fasciitis.

Early identification of life-threatening soft-tissue infection using dynamic fluorescence imaging: first-in-kind clinical study of first-pass kinetics.

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) are aggressive and deadly. Immediate surgical debridement is standard-of-care, but patients often present with non-specific symptoms, thereby delaying treatment. Because NSTIs cause microvascular thrombosis, we hypothesized that perfusion imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) would show diminished fluorescence signal in NSTI-affected tissues, particularly compared to non-necrotizing, superficial infections. Through a first-in-kind clinical study, we performed first-pass ICG fluorescence perfusion imaging of patients with suspected NSTIs. Early results support our hypothesis that ICG signal voids occur in NSTI-affected tissues and that dynamic contrast-enhanced fluorescence parameters reveal tissue kinetics that may be related to disease progression and extent.

Idiopathic Fournier’s Gangrene: Report of 2 Cases

Fournier's gangrene is a rare, life-threatening soft tissue infection that, if not treated promptly, can immediately develop into systemic toxicity. One of the deadliest surgical emergencies observed worldwide is Fournier's gangrene, FG predominantly affects men but can be seen in women. The condition's mortality and morbidity, have greatly decreased over time as a result of recent advancements in critical care medicine and surgical methods. Early diagnosis, examination of the risk and etiological variables, metabolic and physiological parameters, timely resuscitation, forceful surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment, and ongoing monitoring of these parameters are necessary for a favorable outcome. This will reduce the condition's high death and morbidity rates. Two distinct examples of Fournier gangrene are described in this study. In this section, we have 2 FG cases. A young adult with FG who had no accompanying comorbidities was our first instance. He had necrotizing fasciitis, which starts in the perineum and spreads to the belly and chest, and it took him longer to heal. Despite this, he made a full recovery without suffering any serious post-operative morbidity. An elderly man patient who had no concomitant conditions was our second example. Our observations show that He made a full recovery without experiencing any significant post-operative morbidity.

NECROTIZING FASCIITIS OF THE FACIAL SKIN IN PEDIATRIC PATIENT: CASE REPORT

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a potentially life-threatening soft tissue infection, characterized by necrosis of the fascia, subcutaneous tissue, adipose tissue and can be fatal. NF is most common in immunocompromised hosts but may also occur in healthy patients without apparent antecedent injury. It is usually caused by either Group A streptococci or a polymicrobial, synergistic infection. The case that we present is unique in the Republic of Armenia, necrotizing fasciitis of the face in a child. Methods: We report the case of 3,5-year-old children who were treated for NF in our unit, inclusive, were reviewed retrospectively. Information recorded included medical history, clinical characteristics, diagnostic procedures, treatment methods, and the outcome. Results: The essence of the treatment was to prevent further development of necrosis, taking the child out of the state of general intoxication, in connection with, early surgical debridement, anti-intoxication, antibacterial therapy were carried out in several stages. In result, auto transplantation by full thickness skin autograft has been done, maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the wound. Conclusion: Because necrotizing fasciitis is a surgical emergency, the patient should be admitted immediately to a surgical intensive care unit, where the surgical staff is skilled in performing extensive debridement and reconstructive surgery. Despite the fact that it is rare in children, according to our data, it turned out that the reason for the penetration of microorganisms may be an incomplete injection. Clinicians should be aware of these infections, as early treatment can increase survival.

Aggressive Necrotizing Fasciitis in a 12-Year-Old Girl of Unknown Etiology: Diagnosis, Therapy, and Prognosis

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe, life-threatening soft tissue infection characterized by rapidly spreading necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous tissue with fulminant course and rapid fatal evolution. We present the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with edema and redness of the left feet without any traumatic event.

Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), commonly known as flesh-eating disease, is a rare and life-threatening soft-tissue infection characterized by the rapid necrosis of subcutaneous tissue and fascia. There are four subtypes of NF, each classified based on the causative microorganism, with NF types I and II accounting for ~70-80% and ~20-30% of cases, respectively. Differing only in clinical manifestations and speed of pathogenesis, the pathophysiology of all types of NF is similar. Bacteria invades subcutaneous tissue, proliferates, and releases endotoxins and exotoxins, leading to expanding tissue necrosis, toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and death in 15-45% of cases.

Translated article] Necrotising fasciitis: Management experience over the last two decades in our hospital

BackgroundNecrotising fasciitis is a potentially life-threatening soft tissue infection that mainly affects the fascia and deep planes, with a very high mortality rate and severe related complications. AimTo evaluate clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with necrotising fasciitis in our hospital and to describe their diagnostic and therapeutic management. Material and methodsRetrospective review of medical records of 21 patients diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis with limb involvement between January 2003 and February 2021 in our hospital. Demographic data, clinical features and details of management and prognosis were collected for each patient. ResultsOf 21 patients included, 15 were male (71.43%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 54.38±19.55 years. The most frequent comorbidities were insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in seven patients (33.33%) and a history of cancer in five patients (23.81%). Infection was monomicrobial in 14 cases (66.66%), with Streptococcus pyogenes being the most frequent microorganism; multiple pathogens were isolated in 2 patients (9.52%) and no microorganism was identified in 5 patients (23.81%). All patients underwent surgery at our hospital, with a mean of 4.14±3.98 surgeries. Only one patient underwent amputation of the affected limb. The mean hospital stay was 23.14±16.44 days, with an overall mortality of 47.62% (10 cases). ConclusionsDespite being a rare disease, necrotising fasciitis is a very aggressive pathology, with a high mortality rate, especially in immunocompromised patients. Advanced age and oncological disease are potential factors of worse prognosis in the evolution of this condition.

Finger Test for the Diagnosis of a Critically Ill Patient with Necrotizing Fasciitis

BackgroundNecrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening soft-tissue infection, often characterized by soft-tissue destruction, systemic toxicity, and high mortality. No single laboratory value can diagnose necrotizing fasciitis; ultimately, necrotizing fasciitis is a clinical diagnosis and therefore presents a diagnostic dilemma for many physicians. The finger probe test is useful in confirming the diagnosis when imaging studies are unobtainable or nondiagnostic. Case ReportWe present the case of a 70-year-old woman presenting nonverbal and obtunded with a soft-tissue infection of the right lower extremity. The only pertinent positive vital sign was tachypnea with a respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min. Physical examination revealed nonpitting edema, cold-to-touch lower extremity, and Nikolsky-positive hemorrhagic bullae. Initial laboratory test results showed white blood cell count of 38 x 109/L and lactic acid of 8.2 mg/dL. Advanced imaging was unobtainable, given the patient's worsening clinical status, and the decision was made to perform the finger probe test, which revealed absence of bleeding and presence of friable tissue and “dishwater” discharge. Consequently, the general surgery team took the patient to the operating room and performed an above-the-knee amputation and surgical debridement. Postoperative report noted nonviable tissue consistent with necrotizing fasciitis. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening emergency that can destroy soft-tissue at a rate of 1 inch/h. When imaging is unobtainable or nondiagnostic, the finger probe test can be used in select patients to aid with diagnosis.

Distribution and drug sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria in diabetic foot ulcer patients with necrotizing fasciitis at a diabetic foot center in China

BackgroundDiabetic foot ulcer is one of the major complications for patients with diabetes, and has become an important cause of non-traumatic amputation. Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening soft-tissue infection involving the fascia and subcutaneous tissue. When diabetic foot ulcers are complicated by necrotizing fasciitis (DNF), this increases the risk for amputation and mortality, making DNF treatment more complicated, and eventually leading to amputation and mortality. However, studies on pathogenic bacteria’s distribution and drug sensitivity in DNF patients remain lacking. This study investigated the distribution and susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria in DNF patients, and provided empirical antibacterial guidance for the clinic.MethodsIn a single diabetic foot center, the results from microbial cultures and drug susceptibility tests of patients with DNF from October 2013 to December 2020 were collected and analyzed.ResultsA total of 101 DNF patients were included in this study, of whom 94 had positive culture test results. A total of 124 pathogens were cultured, including 76 Gram-positive bacterial strains, 42 Gram-negative bacterial strains, and six fungal strains. Polymicrobial infections accounted for 26.7% and monomicrobial infections accounted for 66.3%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterium isolated, followed by Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus agalactiae. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis were the most common Gram-negative bacteria. Thirty-five strains of multi-drug resistant bacteria were isolated, representing 28.2% of the total isolates. Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, tigecycline, and linezolid, while Gram-negative bacteria were more sensitive to amikacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoperazone/sulbactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem, and meropenem.ConclusionsGram-positive bacteria were the main bacteria isolated from DNF patients. The bacterial composition, the proportion of multi-drug resistant bacteria among the pathogens, and the high risk for amputation should be fully considered in the initial empirical medication, and broad-spectrum antibacterials are recommended.

Fascitis necrosante: experiencia de manejo en las últimas dos décadas en nuestro centro

BackgroundNecrotising fasciitis is a potentially life-threatening soft tissue infection that mainly affects the fascia and deep planes, with a very high mortality rate and severe related complications. AimTo evaluate clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with necrotising fasciitis in our hospital and to describe their diagnostic and therapeutic management. Material and methodsRetrospective review of medical records of 21 patients diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis with limb involvement between January 2003 and February 2021 in our hospital. Demographic data, clinical features and details of management and prognosis were collected for each patient. ResultsOf 21 patients included, 15 were male (71.43%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 54.38±19.55 years. The most frequent comorbidities were insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in 7 patients (33.33%) and a history of cancer in 5 patients (23.81%). Infection was monomicrobial in 14 cases (66.66%), with Streptococcus pyogenes being the most frequent microorganism; multiple pathogens were isolated in 2 patients (9.52%) and no microorganism was identified in 5 patients (23.81%). All patients underwent surgery at our hospital, with a mean of 4.14±3.98 surgeries. Only one patient underwent amputation of the affected limb. The mean hospital stay was 23.14±16.44 days, with an overall mortality of 47.62% (10 cases). ConclusionsDespite being a rare disease, necrotising fasciitis is a very aggressive pathology, with a high mortality rate, especially in immunocompromised patients. Advanced age and oncological disease are potential factors of worse prognosis in the evolution of this condition.

Novel clinical risk scoring model for predicting mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis: The MNF scoring system.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft tissue infection that rapidly progresses and requires urgent surgery and medical therapy. If treatment is delayed, the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome, including death, is significantly increased. The goal of this study was to develop and validate a novel scoring model for predicting mortality in patients with NF. The proposed system is hereafter referred to as the Mortality in Necrotizing Fasciitis (MNF) scoring system. A total of 1503 patients with NF were recruited from 3 provincial hospitals in Thailand during January 2009 to December 2012. Patients were randomly allocated into either the derivation cohort (n = 1192) or the validation cohort (n = 311). Clinical risk factors used to develop the MNF scoring system were determined by logistic regression. Regression coefficients were transformed into item scores, the sum of which reflected the total MNF score. The following 6 clinical predictors were included: female gender; age > 60 years; white blood cell (WBC) ≤5000/mm3; WBC ≥ 35,000/mm3; creatinine ≥ 1.6 mg/dL, and pulse rate > 130/min. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AuROC) analysis showed the MNF scoring system to have moderate power for predicting mortality in patients with NF (AuROC: 76.18%) with good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2: 1.01; P = .798). The positive likelihood ratios of mortality in patients with low-risk scores (≤2.5) and high-risk scores (≥7) were 11.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.16–20.71) and 14.71 (95%CI: 7.39–29.28), sequentially. When used to the validation cohort, the MNF scoring system presented good performance with an AuROC of 74.25%. The proposed MNF scoring system, which includes 6 commonly available and easy-to-use parameters, was shown to be an effective tool for predicting mortality in patients with NF. This validated instrument will help clinicians identify at-risk patients so that early investigations and interventions can be performed that will reduce the mortality rate among patients with NF.

IL-7 Immunotherapy in a Nonimmunocompromised Patient With Intractable Fungal Wound Sepsis.

A nonimmunocompromised patient developed life-threatening soft tissue infection with Trichosporon asahii, Fusarium, and Saksenaea that progressed despite maximum antifungal therapies and aggressive debridement. Interleukin-7 immunotherapy resulted in clinical improvement, fungal clearance, reversal of lymphopenia, and improved T-cell function. Immunoadjuvant therapies to boost host immunity may be efficacious in life-threatening fungal infections.

Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), commonly known as flesh-eating disease, is a rare and life-threatening soft-tissue infection characterized by the rapid necrosis of subcutaneous tissue and fascia. There are four subtypes of NF, each classified based on the causative microorganism, with NF types I and II accounting for ~70-80% and ~20-30% of cases, respectively. Differing only in clinical manifestations and speed of pathogenesis, the pathophysiology of all types of NF is similar. Bacteria invades subcutaneous tissue, proliferates, and releases endotoxins and exotoxins, leading to expanding tissue necrosis, toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and death in 15-45% of cases.

LL-37-mediated activation of host receptors is critical for defense against group A streptococcal infection

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes diverse human diseases, including life-threatening soft-tissue infections. It is accepted that the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 protects the host by killing GAS. Here, we show that GAS extracellular protease ScpC N-terminally cleaves LL-37 into two fragments of 8 and 29 amino acids, preserving its bactericidal activity. At sub-bactericidal concentrations, the cleavage inhibits LL-37-mediated neutrophil chemotaxis, shortens neutrophil lifespan, and eliminates P2X7 and EGF receptors' activation. Mutations at the LL-37 cleavage site protect the peptide from ScpC-mediated splitting, maintaining all its functions. The mouse LL-37 ortholog CRAMP is neither cleaved by ScpC nor does it activate P2X7 or EGF receptors. Treating wild-type or CRAMP-null mice with sub-bactericidal concentrations of the non-cleavable LL-37 analogs promotes GAS clearance that is abolished by the administration of either P2X7 or EGF receptor antagonists. We demonstrate that LL-37-mediated activation of host receptors is critical for defense against GAS soft-tissue infections.

Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis, Diagnosis and Treatment of a Rare Life-Threatening Infection.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a relatively uncommon and potentially life-threatening soft tissue infection, with morbidity and mortality approaching 25% to 35%, even with optimal treatment. The challenge of diagnosis for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) is their rarity, with the incidence of approximately 1000 cases annually in the United States. Given the rapid progression of disease and its similar presentation to more benign processes, early and definitive diagnosis is imperative. Signs and symptoms of NSTIs in the early stages are virtually indistinguishable from those seen with abscesses and cellulitis, making definitive diagnosis difficult. The clinical presentation will depend on the pathogen and its virulence factors which ultimately determine the area and depth of invasion into tissue. There are multiple laboratory value scoring systems that have been developed to support the diagnosis of an NSTI. The scoring system with the highest positive (92%) and negative (96%) predictive value is the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC). The score is determined by 6 serologic markers: C-reactive protein (CRP), total white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin, sodium, creatinine, and glucose. A score ≥ 6 is a relatively specific indicator of necrotizing fasciitis (specificity 83.8%), but a score <6 is not sensitive (59.2%) enough to rule out necrotizing fasciitis. In terms of imaging, computed tomography (CT) imaging, while more sensitive (80%) than plain radiography in detecting abnormalities, is just as nonspecific. Computed tomography imaging of NSTIs demonstrates fascial thickening (with potential fat stranding), edema, subcutaneous gas, and abscess formation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has demonstrated sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86%, though MRI may not show early cases of fascial involvement of necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing soft tissue infections are rapidly progressive and potentially fatal infections that require a high index of clinical suspicion to promptly diagnose and aggressive surgical debridement of affected tissue in order to ensure optimal outcomes.Prompt surgical and infectious disease consultation is necessary for the treatment and management of these patients. While imaging is useful for further characterization, it should not delay surgical consultation. Necrotizing soft tissue infection remains a clinical diagnosis, although plain radiography, CT imaging, and ultrasound can provide useful clues. In general, the management of these patients should include rapid diagnosis, using a combination of clinical suspicion, laboratory data (LRINEC score), and imaging (MRI being the recommended imaging modality), prompt infectious disease and surgical consultation, surgical debridement, and delayed reconstruction. Laboratory findings that can more strongly suggest a diagnosis of NSTI include elevated CRP, elevated WBC, low hemoglobin, decreased sodium, and increased creatinine. Imaging findings include fascial thickening (with potential fat stranding), edema, subcutaneous gas, and abscess formation. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be started in all cases of suspected NSTI. Surgical debridement, however, remains the lynchpin for treatment of cervical necrotizing fasciitis.

Necrotizing fasciitis with prior leprosy: a case report

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft tissue infection with a high misdiagnosis rate. Here, we present the case of NF with hypoesthesia due to prior leprosy in a limited resource area. Laboratory risk indicator for NF (LRINEC) score was used to determine the diagnosis of NF. Resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotic were initiated, followed by surgical debridement due to lack of wound improvement and skin graft to cover the wound was done. This case report highlights the usage of LRINEC score to reduce misdiagnosis, ensure early diagnosis, and improve patient management in NF with masking effect.&lt;/p&gt;