Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this collective review is to review modern concepts of the treatment and diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. DISCUSSION:
Necrotizing fasciitis is characterized by widespread necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and the fascia. Although the pathogenesis of necrotizing fasciitis is still open to speculation, the rapid and destructive clinical course of necrotizing fasciitis is thought to be due to multibacterial symbiosis. During the last two decades, scientists have found that the pathogenesis of necrotizing fasciitis is usually polymicrobial, rather than monomicrobial. Although there has been no published well-controlled, clinical trial comparing the efficacies of various diagnostic imaging modalities in the diagnosis of necrotizing infections, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred technique to detect soft tissue infection. MRI provides unsurpassed soft tissue contrast and spatial resolution, has high sensitivity in detecting soft tissue fluid, and has multiplanar capabilities. Percutaneous needle aspiration followed by prompt Gram's staining and culture for a rapid bacteriologic diagnosis in soft tissue infections is recommended. Surgery complemented by antibiotics is the primary treatment of necrotizing fasciitis. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | Richard F Edlich, Catherine L Cross, Jill J Dahlstrom, William B Long 3rd |
Journal | The Journal of emergency medicine
(J Emerg Med)
Vol. 39
Issue 2
Pg. 261-5
(Aug 2010)
ISSN: 0736-4679 [Print] United States |
PMID | 19081698
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Copyright | Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Debridement
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Fasciitis, Necrotizing
(diagnosis, physiopathology, therapy)
- Humans
- Hyperbaric Oxygenation
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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