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Necrotizing fasciitis as the clinical presentation of a retroperitoneal abscess

Allon Amitai1, Richard Sinert

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|November 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Retroperitoneal abscesses can cause thigh necrotizing fasciitis. Consider intra-abdominal infection sources for leg necrotizing fasciitis without a clear cause.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgery

Background:

  • Retroperitoneal space infections often present with vague symptoms.
  • Necrotizing fasciitis can arise from various sources, sometimes obscure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of retroperitoneal abscess presenting as necrotizing fasciitis of the thigh.
  • To highlight the importance of considering intra-abdominal sources for unexplained necrotizing fasciitis of the thigh.

Main Methods:

  • Case report detailing clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and management.
  • Review of relevant literature on retroperitoneal infections and necrotizing fasciitis.

Main Results:

  • A retroperitoneal abscess directly spread over the iliac crest, causing necrotizing fasciitis of the thigh.
  • The patient's condition was successfully treated after identifying and draining the retroperitoneal source.

Conclusions:

  • Necrotizing fasciitis of the thigh, especially with no apparent local source, warrants investigation for deeper infections like retroperitoneal abscesses.
  • Early consideration of intra-abdominal pathology is crucial for effective management of severe soft tissue infections of the lower extremity.

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