Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Serratia marcescens after venous access port implantation in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2012 Aug;34(6):e246-8. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e318253f047.

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a potentially life-threatening infection of deep skin layers and subcutaneous tissues that can easily spread across the fascia plate and is usually the result of a combined infection with anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms. The patient typically complains of excruciating pain, which is not necessarily in accordance with clinical signs. Early recognition of the condition is very important, and aggressive treatment with a combination of antibiotics and surgical procedure is crucial. We present a case of a 15-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed necrotizing fasciitis after venous access port implantation during induction chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects*
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects*
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / surgery
  • Prognosis
  • Serratia Infections / etiology*
  • Serratia marcescens*