Received 21 August 2014; revised 18 September 2014; accepted 13 October 2014

ABSTRACT

Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection of the skin and deep subcutaneous tissue. It is caused by bacteria (group A streptococcus), but may also be idiopathic ora secondary complication of surgery. We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall fostering a decompressive cranial flap in a 39-year-old patient.

Keywords:

Fasciitis, Craniectomy, Abdominal, Implantation

1. Introduction

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare infection of the skin and deep lying subcutaneous tissue spreading along the fascia and adipose tissue [1] . This is a condition that is usually caused by group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) [1] but also by other bacteria. This infection may be idiopathic or more often secondary to a local trauma or surgery. It mainly affects patients: over 50 years old, diabetic, having peripheral vascular disorder, alcoholics, obese and immunocompromized [2] . Its mortality rate is estimated at 30% [1] . We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall fostering a decompressive cranial flap in a 39-year-old patient.

2. Case Presentation

39-year-old female, of Moroccan descent, with a history of epilepsy admitted in Neurosurgery with frontal lobe tumor for which biopsy and partial resection was performed. The clinical course was marked by the occurrence of intracranial hypertension which was the subject of revision surgery: decompressive cranial flap fostered in the abdominal cavity.

Postoperative Recovery was marked, on the second day, by the occurrence of abdominal and pelvic infiltration with fever.

On physical examination, patient was under non-invasive monitoring, urine and nasogastric tubes inserted as well as intravenous access secured and consciousness level at 11 on the Glasgow Coma scale. Patient was hemodynamically stable, with blood pressure 110/70, a heart rate 92 beats/minute, febrile 38.8˚C and aright lower para rectal incision with large warm skin rash extending from the right flank to the root of the thigh (Figure 1).

Laboratory tests showed biological inflammatory syndrome with neutrophilic leukocytosis and elevated CRP.

Abdominal ultrasonography showed an abundant intraperitoneal effusion notably with bilateral perivesical effusion and infiltration of the psoas.

An abdominal CT scan revealed hematoma around the flap with the presence of air bubbles (Figure 2) and abundant ascites.

The patient was re-admitted to the operating room where she underwent flap removal (Figure 3), incision and drainage coupled with empirical antibiotherapy.

Postoperative recovery was uneventful as far as the abdominal wall was concerned and patientcontinued subsequent neurosurgical management.

3. Discussion

Necrotizing fasciitis is an outstanding infectious disease with grim local and general prognosis. The infection primarily affects the extremities, abdomen, back, genitals and peri anal region.

There is very few data regarding the epidemiology of necrotizing fasciitis. For invasive group A streptococcal infections, 5% - 10% necrotizing fasciitis have been reported in the USA and Canada [3] [4] . Fournier gangrene is still rare considering only 1726 cases have been reported in the literature [5] .

Generally, it is a condition that is caused mainly by group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) [1] as well as other bacteria. It may be idiopathic or more often due to local traumatism or surgery (abdominal surgery, hemorroidectomy, vasectomy, episiotomy, liposuction) [6] as in our case. It mainly affects patients; over 50 years old, diabetic, having peripheral vascular disorder, obese and immunocompromised [2] . Our case involved a young patient immunocompromised by his tumor, who presented a rare cause of abdominal wall fasciitis: a decompressive flap being fostered in the abdomen.

It requires urgent treatment. It is medical as it involves fluid resuscitation and antibiotherapy but especially surgical by debridement of dead tissues.

Due to the potential severity of these infections and progression to septic shock, it is important to hospitalize such patients in intensive care unit and to immediately initiate an empiric antibiotherapy aimed at anaerobes and Gram negative bacilli.

Till date, Surgery remains the most effective tool, irreplaceable and adeterminant factor in the prognosis of this affection. This procedure has to be performed as soon as possible with hyperbaric oxygen therapy installed. This multidisciplinary management must be initiated without delay [7] .

Its mortality rate is estimated at 30% [1] due to the severity of the condition, a prognosis which can be improved with early and appropriate management.

4. Conclusion

Necrotizing fasciitis is a major medical and surgical emergency, due to the degree of skin necrosis and high mortality. This condition has many causes, mainly surgery exceptionally abdominal craniectomy implantation. All decompressive cranial flaps being fostered in the abdomen should impose regular monitoring of the abdominal wall.

References

NOTES

^*Corresponding author.