Open AccessUltrasound in the diagnosis of Fournier′s gangrene
Author(s) -
Erika Kube,
Stanislaw P Stawicki,
David P. Bahner
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
international journal of critical illness and injury science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.274
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2231-5004
pISSN - 2229-5151
DOI - 10.4103/2229-5151.97276
Subject(s) - medicine , gangrene , ultrasonography , fournier gangrene , surgery , gas gangrene , ultrasound , fasciitis , general surgery , radiology , necrotising fasciitis
Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a life-threatening, rapidly progressive necrotizing infection. If not recognized and treated early, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The classic physical exam findings of crepitus are seen in approximately two-thirds of patients during the early stages of FG. Focused bedside sonography performed in cases of suspected gangrene represents an excellent adjunct in confirming the presence of subcutaneous gas and other signs of necrotizing infection. We present an illustrative case of a patient with FG who was evaluated with focused bedside ultrasonography.