Fournier's gangrene is a rare pathology, whose aetiopathogenesis is very varied and much debated. In most cases, it occurs in debilitated patients with chronic diseases involving tissue ischaemia. Despite substantial progress in scientific research, it carries a high mortality rate because of the rapidity with which it sets in and evolves, presenting therefore as a medical and surgical emergency. Although this syndrome has long beenknown, it is still difficult to treat and the subject of considerable debate. The authors report a case of Fournier's gangrene of an idiopathic nature, not corresponding to any of the forms described in the literature, which gave rise to a number of medical and surgical considerations, demonstrating the importance of prompt treatment capable of arresting its course and preparing the affected areas for reconstructive surgery.