Fournier's gangrene is a rare but rapidly progressive necrotizing infection that results from the synergistic action of multiple aerobic and anaerobic organisms colonized on the skin and in the anogenital area.
This is a case report of a middle-aged man with late presentation of Fournier's gangrene that was treated aggressively by a team of infectious disease specialists, surgeons, intensivists, and intensive care unit specialty nurses over a 3-week period. Despite heroic efforts by the multidisciplinary team, the patient's condition deteriorated and he died of multisystem failure. The purpose of this article was to alert clinicians to the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors for invasive necrosis, prognostic indicators, and current diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Fournier's gangrene represents a true medical and surgical emergency and requires early recognition and a team approach to management.
Written by:
Kaufmann JA, Ramponi D. Are you the author?
Robert Morris University, Moon Township, Pennsylvania.
Reference: Crit Care Nurs Q. 2015 Apr-Jun;38(2):143-53.
doi: 10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000055
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25741955