A Rare Presentation of Escherichia coli Necrotizing Fasciitis in Renal Transplantation

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a devastating, rapidly pro-gressive soft tissue infection. We present an unusual case of Escherichia coli necrotizing fasciitis following renal transplant. The patient was a 50-year-old woman previously on long-term hemodialysis who presented with left thigh erythema adjacent to the site of a central venous catheter 5 days after renal transplant. The classical features of necrotizing fasciitis were initially absent, and, despite aggressive resuscitation and debridement, she did not survive. Monomicrobial E. coli necrotizing fasciitis is rare, especially in this cohort of patients. Immunosuppression is a known risk factor for infection, and patients may present atypically. Shock and erythema may be the only clues to infection. Necrotizing fasciitis must be considered in acutely unwell renal transplant recipients so that immediate and life-saving surgical debridement can be delivered.