From Mdwiki | Fournier gangrene | |
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| Other names: Fournier's gangrene | |
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| An area of skin death of the scrotum | |
| Specialty | Infectious disease, urology |
| Symptoms | Initially none specific, scrotum or labia pain and swelling, fever, redness[1] |
| Complications | Sepsis[2] |
| Usual onset | Rapid[1] |
| Causes | Infection, often by multiple types of bacteria[3] |
| Risk factors | Diabetes, alcoholism, immunocompromised, long term urinary catheters[3][2] |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, may be supported by medical imaging[3] |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, surgical removal of infected tissue, supportive care[3] |
| Prognosis | Guarded[1] |
| Frequency | 1 per 62,500 males a year[2] |
| Deaths | High risk[3] |
Fournier gangrene (FG) is a type of necrotizing fasciitis affecting the perineum.[3][2] Initial symptoms are often non specific; though rapidly worsen.[1] This may include scrotum or labia pain and swelling, fever, and redness.[1] The infection spreads at about 2.5 cm per hour.[1] Complications may include sepsis.[2]
Risk factors include diabetes, alcoholism, being immunocompromised, an long term urinary catheters.[3][2] In diabetes sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) may be a particular risk.[1] Infection is by multiple types of bacteria in more than 80% of cases.[3] Often the infection spreads from the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or skin.[4] Diagnosis is based on symptoms and may be supported by medical imaging.[3]
Treatment involves antibiotics, surgical removal of infected tissue, and supportive care.[3] Other options may include hyperbaric oxygen therapy and negative-pressure wound therapy.[1] The risk of death is high at 20 to 80%, though varies based on other health problems.[1][3] In those who survive reconstructive surgery is required.[1]
Fournier gangrene affects about one per 62,500 males per year.[2] Older people and males are more commonly affected with males affected 40 times more often than females.[2] It was first described by Baurienne in 1764 and is named after Jean Alfred Fournier, following five cases he presented in 1883.[4]
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Initial symptoms include swelling or sudden pain in the scrotum, fever, pallor, and generalized weakness. It is characterized by pain that extends beyond the border of the redness.[4]
Most cases begin mildly, but can progress in hours. Subcutaneous air is one of the specific signs, but is not seen in over half of cases. More marked cases are characterized by a foul odor and necrotic infected tissue. Crepitus has been reported.[4]
It begins as a subcutaneous infection. However, necrotic patches soon appear in the overlying skin, which later develop into necrosis.[4]
Most cases involve infect with both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens. It can also result from infections caused by group A streptococcus (GAS), as well as other pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio vulnificus.[5]
Blood sugar levels are elevated in about half of people.[6] About a third were alcoholic, diabetic, and malnourished, while another ten percent had been immunosuppressed through chemotherapy, steroids, or malignancy.[7]
Fournier gangrene is a recognized side effect of SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin),[8][9] which result in increased glucose in the urine.
Fournier gangrene is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and examination.[3] Common findings include swelling of the scrotum, fast heart rate, bad smelling discharge, crepitus, and fever.[1]
Laboratory tests and medical imaging may support the diagnosis, determine severity, and predict outcomes.[4] X-rays and ultrasound may show the presence of gas below the surface of the skin.[4] A CT scan can be useful in determining the site of origin and extent of spread.[4]
Fournier gangrene is an emergency requiring intravenous antibiotics and debridement (surgical removal of dead tissue).[4] In addition, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be useful to inhibit the growth of anaerobic bacteria.[10]
Studies have found a mortality rate of 7.5–40%.[11] Rates are as high as 76% in those with sepsis.[3] Lack of access to sanitation, medical care, and psychosocial resources has been linked to increased mortality.[12]
Fournier gangrene occurs in about 1.6 per 100,000 males, in the United States.[11] Males 50 to 79 years old had the highest rate at 3.3 per 100,000.[11] Of 1,680 cases, 39 were women.[11]
Historically notable cases include Herod the Great, his grandson Herod Agrippa, and possibly the Roman emperor Galerius.[citation needed] Puerto Rican abolitionist and pro-independence leader Segundo Ruiz Belvis died from Fournier gangrene in November 1867.
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| Classification | |
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| External resources |
Categories: [Gangrene] [Urological conditions] [Bacterium-related cutaneous conditions] [RTT]