Necrotizing fasciitis after intramuscular self-injection A case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening soft tissue infection.
• Early diagnosis, antibiotics, and surgical intervention are crucial for managing NF.
• Complex cases, especially with multidrug-resistant organisms, pose significant treatment challenges.

Observation:

• A patient developed extensive necrotizing fasciitis after an intramuscular injection of diclofenac sodium administered improperly at home.
• Wound cultures identified the causative agent as multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
• The infection spread rapidly, affecting deep soft tissues.

Findings:

• The patient was treated with negative-pressure wound therapy, targeted antibiotics, and extensive surgical debridement.
• Successful management was achieved despite the aggressive nature of the infection and the resistant pathogen.
• This case underscores the potential complications of non-professional injections.

Implications:

• Highlights the critical importance of sterile techniques and professional administration of all injections.
• Demonstrates the successful multimodal treatment approach for severe necrotizing fasciitis caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
• Emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding rare but severe complications of seemingly minor medical procedures.