An Atypical Manifestation of Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Patient With Type II Diabetes

Cureus. 2024 Feb 12;16(2):e54062. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54062. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Abstract

In this case report, we discuss a 32-year-old diabetic male patient who presented with right foot pain three days following a spider bite. The foot progressively became swollen, preventing the patient from bearing weight on it. After admission to the emergency department, the examination showed discoloration of the dorsum of the proximal phalanx of the first toe with an open wound and pus. The patient received fluid resuscitation along with a course of metronidazole and levofloxacin. Subsequently, the patient was referred to an orthopedic and podiatric team where he underwent a complete foot fasciotomy. The procedure was successful, and the patient recovered well. This case showcases a rare manifestation of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and highlights the importance of future research regarding NF and its association with diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: diabetic foot infection; emergent fasciotomy; necrotizing fascitis; spider bite; types 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports