Systemic corticosteroids are important in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene: a case report.

Abstract

Fournier's gangrene represents an acute severe necrotizing inflammatory process affecting the scrotum and penis. It has an associated mortality of 30-50%. In most cases, aetiological factors can be identified, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic alcoholism and perianal, perirectal or periurethral infection. The disease is characterized by a polybacterial infection, and the classic treatment includes surgical removal of the necrotic tissue and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. We report a case of Fournier's gangrene, histologically characterized by a necrotizing vasculitis, in which surgical resection of the necrotic tissue and antibiotic treatment failed to halt progression of the disease, whereas complete remission was achieved by high-dose corticosteroid therapy. This suggests that Fournier's gangrene is related to some form of localized vasculitis, and represents a local Shwartzman phenomenon.

• Authors: E S Schultz, T L Diepgen, P von den Driesch, O P Hornstein
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 133 Issue 4 Pg. 633-5 (Oct 1995) ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England
• PMID: 7577598 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Glucocorticoids
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Fournier Gangrene (drug therapy, pathology)
• Glucocorticoids (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Methylprednisolone (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged