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Necrotizing fasciitis causing severe myocardial dysfunction with ST-segment elevation in a young man

Ayman El-Menyar1, Nissar Shaikh

  • 1Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hamad general hospital P.O box 3050, Doha, Qatar. aymanco65@yahoo.com

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|February 18, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection, developed in a patient following an intramuscular injection. This case highlights the rapid progression and critical cardiac complications associated with this infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection requiring urgent medical attention.
  • Intramuscular injections can lead to localized infections such as abscesses.
  • Gluteal abscesses can potentially progress to more extensive and life-threatening conditions.

Observation:

  • A 30-year-old male presented with a gluteal abscess secondary to intramuscular injection.
  • The abscess rapidly progressed to necrotizing fasciitis.
  • The patient exhibited signs of circulatory collapse, left ventricular dysfunction, and ECG changes.

Findings:

  • Staphylococcal species were identified as the causative agent from wound and blood cultures.
  • The patient's clinical presentation included severe hemodynamic compromise.
  • Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings indicated significant cardiac involvement.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of recognizing early signs of infection after injections.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes in necrotizing fasciitis.
  • The association with cardiac dysfunction highlights the systemic impact of this infection.

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