Necrotizing fasciitis of the vulva during chemotherapy

A case of necrotizing fasciitis of the vulva arising in a leukemic patient during a chemotherapy nadir is presented. The nature of the process was not recognized initially, and the patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics. After clinically evident necrosis developed, prompt surgical debridement was carried out. Clinical improvement followed and the wound healed well. This case suggests that chemotherapy with its attendant immunosuppression is a predisposing factor in the development of necrotizing fasciitis and warrants a high index of suspicion.