Objective: Necrotizing fasciitis is a difficult diagnosis with a very high mortality. However, thermal imaging has the potential to identify increasing skin temperature and rapid progression.
Materials and methods: We used repeat photographs taken with a thermal camera to visualize changes in skin temperature over time.
Results: An unstable male patient presented at the emergency department. Thermal imaging showed increased skin temperature of his left foot with a rapid increase and progression in extent within 1 hour. Necrotizing fasciitis was suspected and later confirmed.
Conclusions: We believe thermal imaging could be an important adjunct for the diagnosis of suspected necrotizing fasciitis.
Learning points: Necrotizing fasciitis is a difficult diagnosis to make.Thermal imaging can visualize skin temperature and thus show increased temperature and extent.Rapid identification of necrotizing fasciitis is vital for patient survival.
Keywords: Necrotizing fasciitis; diagnosis; septic shock; thermal imaging.