Penile Fournier's gangrene

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Fournier's gangrene is a severe necrotizing infection affecting the genital, perineal, and perianal areas.
• Penile involvement is uncommon due to the penis's rich vascular supply.
• Previous cases typically involved vascular or traumatic insults.

Observation:

• A rare case of Fournier's gangrene exclusively affecting the penis is presented.
• The patient was an adult with end-stage renal disease.
• The patient also had calciphylaxis, a condition often associated with end-stage renal disease.

Findings:

• This case demonstrates Fournier's gangrene isolated to the penis in a patient with calciphylaxis.
• Calciphylaxis, a complication of end-stage renal disease, was identified as the underlying condition.
• The presentation challenges the typical understanding of penile Fournier's gangrene etiology.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of Fournier's gangrene presentations.
• It suggests calciphylaxis as a potential, albeit rare, contributing factor to penile necrotizing infections.
• Highlights the importance of considering calciphylaxis in patients with end-stage renal disease presenting with unusual soft-tissue infections.