Vibrio vulnificus Necrotizing Fasciitis in Upper Limbs and Septicemia Following Pinch Injury by Mud Crab: A Case Report

Cureus. 2022 Apr 22;14(4):e24393. doi: 10.7759/cureus.24393. eCollection 2022 Apr.

Abstract

Vibrio vulnificus necrotizing fasciitis is a rare emergency and has a high mortality rate condition occurring among patients with cirrhosis, iron overload states, chronic renal failure, malignancy, HIV, or immunosuppressive medications. Here, we report a case of nonfoodborne Vibrio infection caused by V. vulnificus presenting as bilateral necrotizing fasciitis on the hands and lower arms after a pinch injury by a mud crab in a 64-year-old man with hypertension presenting with acute fever, bilateral hand swelling, and pain. The patient was treated with emergency fasciotomy and intravenous antibiotics. The outcome of such cases depends on early diagnosis and appropriate surgical and medical management.

Keywords: mud crab; necrotizing fasciitis; pinch injury; septicemia; vibrio vulnificus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports