Neonatal scrotal wall necrotizing fasciitis (Fournier gangrene): a case report

• Published in: Journal of medical case reports Vol. 5; no. 1; p. 576
• Main Authors: Zgraj, Oskar, Paran, Sri, O'Sullivan, Maureen, Quinn, Feargal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 12-12-2011; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Antibiotics; Case Report; Case studies; Diagnosis; Health aspects; Infants (Newborn); Necrotizing fasciitis; Ireland
• ISSN: 1752-1947; 1752-1947
• DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-5-576

Necrotizing fasciitis in neonates is rare and is associated with almost 50% mortality. Although more than 80 cases of neonates (under one month of age) with necrotizing fasciitis have been reported in the literature, only six of them are identified as originating in the scrotum.
We report the case of a four-week-old, full-term, otherwise-healthy Caucasian baby boy who presented with an ulcerating lesion of his scrotal wall. His scrotum was explored because of a provisional diagnosis of missed torsion of the testis. He was found to have necrotizing fasciitis of the scrotum. We were able to preserve the testis and excise the necrotic tissue, and with intravenous antibiotics there was a successful outcome.
Fournier gangrene is rarely considered as part of the differential diagnosis in the clinical management of the acute scrotum. However, all doctors who care for small babies must be aware of this serious condition and, if it is suspected, should not hesitate in referring the babies to a specialist pediatric surgical center immediately.