Fournier Gangrene

Excerpt

Fournier gangrene is a rare but rapidly progressive form of necrotizing fasciitis that affects the deep and superficial tissues of the perineal, anal, scrotal, and genital regions. Named after Dr Alfred Fournier, a French dermatology and venereal specialist, it was initially described in 1883 as necrotizing fasciitis of the external genitalia, perineal, and perianal regions involving 5 of his patients. Named after Dr Alfred Fournier, a French dermatology and venereal specialist, Fournier gangrene was first described in 1883 as "necrotizing fasciitis" of the external genitalia, perineal, and perianal regions in 5 of his patients. The disease involves the rapid spread of severe inflammatory and infectious processes along fascial planes, affecting adjacent soft tissue. Fournier gangrene may go unnoticed or unrecognized in its early stages due to minimal or absent skin manifestations (see Image. Fournier Gangrene).

Fournier gangrene is often associated with general signs of sepsis, rapid tissue destruction, and a high fatality rate of 40%. The spread of inflammation and infection leads to thrombosis of blood vessels, which in turn causes ischemia and tissue necrosis of the adjacent soft tissue and fascia. The infectious and inflammatory process spreads quickly along the Dartos, Colles, and Scarpa fascias, allowing for the early involvement of the abdominal wall. Due to initial fascial and subcutaneous involvement, clinicians may miss this disease in its early stages, as the overlying soft tissue may appear unremarkable or resemble simple cellulitis. Early diagnosis and treatment of this potentially fatal disease are crucial, as it can easily be misdiagnosed in its early stages as a benign condition.