Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2012 Sep;55(9):659-663. 10.5468/KJOG.2012.55.9.659.

A case of necrotizing fasciitis after cesarean delivery

• Mun GU
• Cho EK
• Kim YS
• Nam DH
• Lee HJ

• KMID: 2274139
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/KJOG.2012.55.9.659

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, rapidly progressive and potentially fatal soft-tissue infection characterized by widespread severe infection of the deep soft tissue, including fascia. Predisposing conditions for NF include diabetes, malignancy, obesity, and chronic liver disease. Patients with suspected NF should be empirically and immediately managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics covering the commonly suspected organisms. And surgical debridement is the mainstay of treatment of NF. We experienced a very rare case of NF with 33-year-old healthy woman who presented with high fever, erythema, edema, and pustule on upper abdomen one day after cesarean section. NF was strongly suspected and immediate surgical intervention and broad spectrum antibiotics were used. We report it with a brief review of literatures.

Keyword

Necrotizing fasciitis; Cesarean delivery; Surgical intervention

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Adult
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Cesarean Section
Debridement
Edema
Erythema
Fascia
Fasciitis, Necrotizing
Female
Fever
Humans
Liver Diseases
Obesity
Pregnancy
Anti-Bacterial Agents

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Abdomen and pelvis computed tomography showed subcutaneous multiple free airs (arrow) and diffusely infiltrated subcutaneous tissue of bilateral lower abdominal wall.

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  Fig. 2 Multiple dark colored necrotic tissues in fascia, muscle and subcutaneous layer (arrow).

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  Fig. 3 Microscopic finding of the necrotic subcutaneous tissue with fascia showing acute gangrenous inflammation, necrosis, and diffuse neutrophilic inflammation (H&E, ×100).

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