Idiopathic gangrene (Fournier) of the male external genitalia, with report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract

Fournier's gangrene, originally described by Fournier in 1883, is a rare and unusual ischaemic necrosis of the male external genitalia. Reports on the idiopathic penile and/or scrotal gangrene are relatively rare in newer publications. The aetiology of the disease which is characterized by a sudden onset, most commonly without prodromal symptoms, is still not fully understood. There is strong evidence, however, that Fournier's gangrene is a specific infection due to Streptococcus haemolyticus, group A, and/or anaerobic Streptococci. Presenting a case of our own, we take the opportunity to discuss the pathogenesis, pathomorphology, bacteriology and treatment of the disease.