TOPIC: Critical Care TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) include a vast array of necrotizing forms that affect the deeper layers of tissues including fasciitis and myositis. Though rare, with approximately 500 to 1500 estimated cases per year, many providers find the diagnosis difficult due to unaffected appearance of overlying tissue on initial presentation. This case showcases complexities of a Type II-Monomicrobial NSTI-Serratia Marcescens, and the benefit of utilizing the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score, for early identification of NSTIs. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old-male with history of DM with complaint of left lower extremity edema. He reported an insidious onset of swelling that started five days prior to arrival with no precipitating or consequential factors. He was hemodynamically stable with 3+ pitting edema extending beyond the left thigh, erythema below the left knee with blisters on the medial aspects of the left leg. Serum studies showed a D-Dimer 12.6, CRP 1.9, and ESR 29. Venous doppler was consistent with extensive left deep vein thrombosis with CT imaging negative for abscess or subcutaneous air. He was treated with IV Clindamycin and therapeutic anticoagulation. Days later, the cellulitis had progressed nearly three times the original size with a worsening leukocytosis, ESR 111, and CRP 17.5. A surgical debridement showed multiple cavitary abscesses. Pathology showed necrotizing soft tissue infection with Serratia M. He was started on a prolonged course of IV Pip-Tazo and Vancomycin, with eventual preservation of extremity function. DISCUSSION: NSTI has a rapid clinical course and is associated with a high mortality, ranging 14-39%. Early signs of NSTI are dubious and mimic simple soft tissue infections which evolve in a course of days. Serratia M., is extremely rare and atypical with only 17 reported cases. It is an opturnitistic infection affecting the immunocompromised, it thrives in higher concentrations activating cascades of hyperreactive cellular responses. Inflammatory mediators upregulate factors VII and VIIa and reduce anti-coagulation proteins precipitating a pro-thrombotic event. Initially, it was unclear if the patient had NSTI with a LRINEC score of 2/12. The second encounter, his score was 7/12, suggestive of NSTI. The final LRINEC score indicated a positive predictive value of 92%. A study by Wong et. al. performed a prospective study utilizing the LRINEC score resulting with positive predictive value of 92% and negative predictive value 96% suggesting to be a beneficial tool. CONCLUSIONS: The LRINEC score is beneficial in identifying NSTI early. Early diagnosis is crucial, it is estimated that between 85-100% of NSTI are initially missed and often confused for myositis, DVT, cellulitis, or deep tissue abscess. A high index of suspicion is imperative in lieu of absent cutaneous findings early in the course of the disease process. REFERENCE #1: Goldstein, Ellie J. C., et al. "Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infection: Diagnosis and Management." OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 1 Mar. 2007, academic.oup.com/cid/article/44/5/705/348724. REFERENCE #2: www.samsonconsulting.co.uk. Misdiagnosing Necrotising Fasciitis, www.glynns.co.uk/necrotising-fasciitis/misdiagnosing-necrotising-fasciitis.php. REFERENCE #3: Guberman, Ronald. "Case Study: Treating Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused By Serratia Marcescens." Podiatry Today, 24 Aug. 2011, www.podiatrytoday.com/treating-necrotizing-fasciitis-caused-iserratia-marcescensi. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Swetha Paduri, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Nehal Patel, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Charmi Patel, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Paul Roach, source=Web Response