Medical image of the week: Fournier's gangrene with a twist

• Main Authors: Akella P, Grewal H, Daniel I
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Arizona Thoracic Society 2018-07-01
• Series: Southwest Journal of Pulmonary and Critical Care
• Subjects: subcutaneous emphysema; subcutaneous air; Bacteroides; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; scrotum; Fournier's; gangrene; piquerism; paraphilia
• Online Access: http://www.swjpcc.com/imaging/2018/7/4/medical-image-of-the-week-fourniers-gangrene-with-a-twist.html

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. A 37-year-old man presented with worsening left testicular pain, swelling and redness within 3 days of being poked by a safety-pin during foreplay. Over 24 hours, his left scrotum doubled in size with significant erythema, edema, crepitus and induration. Imaging of scrotum and legs revealed extensive gas formation extending to the retroperitoneum and ascending along fascial planes. Subcutaneous emphysema of abdominal wall, chest wall with mediastinal gas was noted. Investigation showed a shite blood cell count of 22,000 cells/mcL with 12% bands and HIV testing was negative. Intravenous vancomycin and ertapenem were administered on presentation followed by emergent bilateral debridement of the scrotum. Wound/tissue cultures grew methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, group B Streptococcus and anaerobic Bacteroides. Antibiotics were de-escalated to ciprofloxacin and metronidazole and the patient showed adequate recovery at 30 days of follow up. Improved survival of Fournier’s gangrene can only be achieved by prompt diagnosis and early debridement …