Fournier's gangrene: diagnosis and management aided by repeated clinical examination and ultrasound

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Feb 10:2017:bcr2016217409. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-217409.

Abstract

We describe a case of a man aged 57 years admitted to our tertiary centre via his general practitioner, presenting with a 1-week history of scrotal pain, testicular swelling and fluctuance. He was initially managed in the community with flucoclaxacillin for 1 week, but failed to respond to treatment. Clinical history was suggestive of Fournier's gangrene, but initial examination was not conclusive. Repeated examination over the next hour aided diagnosis and helped to track the progression of the condition. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics and prepared for theatre. Since there was a delay in getting the patient to theatre, an ultrasound scan was performed to help ascertain the extent of the disease to aid surgical planning. Following successful debridement and skeletalisation of the testicles and ward recovery, he was transferred for plastic reconstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Debridement
  • Fournier Gangrene / complications
  • Fournier Gangrene / diagnosis*
  • Fournier Gangrene / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Scrotum*
  • Testicular Diseases / etiology
  • Testicular Diseases / therapy*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents