Group G streptococcus leading to necrotizing soft tissue infection after left lower extremity radiofrequency venous ablation

A 73-year-old morbidly obese woman developed a severe group G Streptococcus (GGS) necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI), superimposed by toxic shock-like syndrome after undergoing radiofrequency venous ablation of her left lower extremity. NSTI secondary to GGS are relatively uncommon, with only nine cases described in the literature. We present a case of GGS NSTI, a debilitating wound infection, occurring after radiofrequency venous ablation. Early identification and treatment are imperative to prevent mortality from NSTI and care must be taken when selecting patients for percutaneous endovascular ablation as they are at risk for such infections.