A Case Report of Fournier’s Gangrene

Early identification and intervention of Fournier’s gangrene in the Emergency Department (ED) requires a high index of suspicion and is critical in improved patient outcomes. We present a case of a 64-year-old male with two months of progressively worsening buttock and rectal pain found to have extensive black eschar and ecchymosis on exam. In addition, this patient displayed marked leukocytosis, lactic acidosis, and elevated inflammatory markers. A preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed multiple perirectal abscesses and subcutaneous fluid and gas in the perineum and scrotum concerning for Fournier’s Gangrene. He was started on broad spectrum antibiotics while in the ED and taken to the operating room for urgent surgical debridement with clinical improvement and was discharged home on day nine. This case report reviews the clinical presentation and interventional modalities, and aims to provide new images to better help visualize a diagnosis of Fournier’s Gangrene. TOPICS: Fournier’s gangrene, necrotizing soft tissue infection, necrotizing fasciitis.