A case of fatal necrotizing fasciitis after intramuscular administration of diclofenac.

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive soft tissue infection that involves subcutaneous fat and spreads along the fascial planes. This disease has a potentially fatal outcome if not recognized in early. Several cases have been reported of a possible association between the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the development or aggravation of necrotizing fasciitis. This association is still a subject of controversy. In this article we present a case of fatal necrotizing fasciitis occurring in association with intramuscular injections of diclofenac in a patient who was admitted for the symptoms of a urinary stone. Our opinion is that the intramuscular injections caused a locally aseptic necrosis, which was secondarily invaded by. Since this incident, our policy is to avoid the use of intramuscular injections of diclofenac and other NSAIDs in cases of potentially infectious diseases.

• Authors: G Verfaillie, S Knape, L Corne
• Journal: European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine (Eur J Emerg Med) Vol. 9 Issue 3 Pg. 270-3 (Sep 2002) ISSN: 0969-9546 [Print] England
• PMID: 12394627 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Diclofenac

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Diclofenac (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Fasciitis, Necrotizing (chemically induced, physiopathology)
• Fatal Outcome
• Humans
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Urinary Calculi (drug therapy)