A case report of necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall: A rare, life-threatening complication of a common disease process

Abstract

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical diseases, but perforated appendicitis resulting in necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall is exceedingly rare.

Presentation of case: A 71-year-old male presented to the emergency department with one week of severe right-sided abdominal pain. He was hypothermic, hypotensive, and tachycardic. His abdomen was distended, with a large, tender, erythematous region over the right abdominal wall. Laboratory evaluation revealed leukocytosis, acute kidney injury, and lactic acidosis. CT scan revealed large collections of fluid and gas in the right abdominal wall as well as inflammation surrounding the right colon. The patient was resuscitated with intra-venous fluid, started on broad-spectrum antibiotics, and emergently brought to the operating room. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, and was found to have appendicitis, which perforated into his abdominal wall resulting in a necrotizing soft tissue infection.

Discussion: The diagnosis of perforated appendicitis resulting in necrotizing fasciitis is often delayed due to the unusual presentation of this common disease. Necrotizing fasciitis is associated with significant mortality and requires immediate intervention.

Conclusion: It is imperative to maintain a high index of suspicion for intra-abdominal pathology in patients who present with necrotizing infections of the abdominal wall, flank, back, or groin. The importance of recognizing this complication early and proceeding immediately to the operating room cannot be overstated.

Keywords: Case report; Necrotizing fasciitis; Perforated appendicitis.

Fig. 1

Axial images from a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealing large collections of fluid and gas in the right abdominal wall as well as inflammatory change adjacent to the right colon.