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Case Reports
. 2006 Aug 28;12(32):5256-8.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i32.5256.

Multi-limb necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with rectal cancer

Shirley Yuk Wah Liu  1 , Simon Siu Man Ng, Janet Fung Yee Lee
Affiliations
Case Reports

Multi-limb necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with rectal cancer

Shirley Yuk Wah Liu et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a devastating soft tissue infection affecting fascias and subcutaneous soft tissues. Literature reviews have identified several related risk factors, including malignancy, alcoholism, malnutrition, diabetes, male gender and old age. There are only scanty case reports in the literature describing its rare association with colorectal malignancy. All published cases are attributed to bowel perforation resulting in necrotizing fasciitis over the perineal region. Isolated upper or lower limb diseases are rarely identified. Simultaneous upper and lower limb infection in colorectal cancer patients has never been described in the literature. We report an unusual case of multi-limb necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with underlying non-perforated rectal carcinoma.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Enlarging blisters over the thigh. One of the blisters is indicated by black arrow.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Necrotic skin patches over dorsum of hand.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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