Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Right Lower Extremity from Ruptured Appendicitis: Case Report.
Shawn Funk1, Kelley Warren1, Thomas S DeNapoli2
1Section Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery Baylor College of Medicine, Children's Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
JBJS Case Connector
|February 15, 2021
Summary
A 16-year-old girl with dermatomyositis developed necrotizing fasciitis in her right leg due to a ruptured appendix. This rare case highlights the need for thorough evaluation of musculoskeletal infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- A 16-year-old female with a history of dermatomyositis presented with right thigh pain and elevated inflammatory markers.
- The patient had no abdominal pain, making the diagnosis challenging.
Observation:
- The patient presented to the Emergency Room (ER) on multiple occasions.
- Initial diagnosis was right lower extremity necrotizing fasciitis, later attributed to a ruptured appendix.
Findings:
- The case represents a unique presentation of appendicitis without typical abdominal symptoms.
- Necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremity was the primary manifestation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for unusual musculoskeletal infections.
- Aggressive surgical management is crucial for favorable outcomes in complex cases of necrotizing fasciitis.
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