FOURNIER'S gangrene: the development of a classical pathology

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis, especially when termed Fournier's gangrene (FG) when it initiates at the perineum, is a rare but rapidly progressive subcutaneous tissue infection characterized by extensive necrosis. Although it has been known for more than a century and considered as a cause of death, the basic medical principles have not changed for many years. We discuss what is new in the evaluation of this enigmatic pathology and speculate about its clinical metamorphosis. We reviewed reports of FG in the English language. The clinical characteristics of FG have been changing; atypical locations of necrotizing fasciitis, e.g. in the head and neck, and the incidence of patients with FG but no predisposing factors, has been increasing. While the role of anaerobic bacteria in FG is decreasing, that of atypical organisms is increasing, and thus hyperbaric oxygen therapy will probably cease to be a common treatment. We think that FG will not be as likely to cause death in future.