Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Chest and Abdominal Wall Arising from an Empyema

Necrotising fasciitis of the shoulder in association with rheumatoid arthritis treated with etanercept: a case report

Introduction

Necrotising fasciitis is a severe infection characterised by the fulminant destruction of tissue with associated systemic signs of sepsis and toxicity. Etanercept is a fully human fusion protein that inhibits tumor necrosis factor and the inflammatory cascade. It is effective in the treatment of many disorders but concerns regarding severe life threatening infections have been raised in multiple reports.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 39-year-old Caucasian man, who presented with sudden onset of severe and progressive neck and left shoulder pain, with a two-year history of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis treated with azathoprine and etanercept. On examination the left side of his neck and his left shoulder were oedematous, tender with an erythematous rash and his active range of movement was limited. Magnetic resonance imaging of his shoulder showed extensive oedema of the subcutaneous and intramuscular fat of the left lower neck consistent with fasciitis. He was treated medically and made a good recovery.

Conclusion

Our patient, while having a pre-existing increased mortality risk, had a serious infection which responded well to optimum medical treatment without the need for surgery. As anti tumor necrosis factor agents are frequently associated with infection, including tuberculous infection, this case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion for other severe bacterial infections in patients on immunosuppressants.

Tube thoracostomy-related necrotizing fasciitis: a case report

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a serious complication of pulmonary tuberculosis that requires immediate treatment. Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious, rapidly progressive infection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia, most related to trauma or surgery. Here, we report a case of pulmonary tuberculosis with spontaneous pneumothorax. A standard procedure of tube thoracostomy was performed for lung re-expansion. Two days after the tube was removed, necrotizing fasciitis developed from the puncture site. Computed tomography of the chest showed focal thickness with gas formation and loss of the fat plane over the chest wall, which is compatible with the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. Aggressive treatment was given, including emergency fasciectomy and adequate systemic antibiotic and antituberculous treatment. The necrotizing fasciitis was successfully treated. The patient was discharged and sent home with maintenance antituberculous therapy.

Necrotising fasciitis of the shoulder following muscular strain

Necrotising fasciitis is a rare, life-threatening, soft-tissue infection characterised by rapidly spreading inflammation and subsequent necrosis of the muscle, fascia and surrounding tissues. We report a case of necrotising fasciitis originating from the shoulder in a 59-year-old female patient. Necrotising fasciitis of the shoulder is very rare and has a poor prognosis because of its potential to spread to the chest wall. It can occur in otherwise healthy people without any predisposing conditions and could present as muscle strain. Disproportionate pain is the hallmark of this condition. Ultrasound examination and aspiration of fluid from the involved area is a fast and efficient method of reaching the diagnosis.