Koo EJ, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2021 Aug;36(38):e236. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e236

Fournier’s gangrene is a life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis of genitalia and perineum. It is an exceedingly rare disease in infants and presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for pediatric surgeons. Risk factors for Fournier’s gangrene in children include low birth weight, premature birth, trauma, burns, immunocompromising conditions, and sepsis. We report a very rare case of Fournier’s gangrene in a female infant. A 1-month-old girl visited the emergency room with a fever (39.2°C) and skin discoloration in the suprapubic area. The skin color change spread rapidly from the genitalia and inguinal area to the abdominal wall and flank. Ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrated air bubbles in the subcutaneous layer of the suprapubic and inguinal areas, which strongly indicated Fournier’s gangrene. An emergency operation was performed; a low transverse incision was made in the suprapubic area to open subcutaneous tissue from skin to fascia and curettage and irrigation were performed. Necrotizing fasciitis improved dramatically after surgical treatment. The baby is now in good condition and has grown normally after discharge from the hospital. Clinical suspicion of Fournier’s gangrene and quick decision to surgery contributed to good prognosis. This report would be helpful to clinicians in diagnosing and treating infant patients with Fournier’s gangrene.

Koo EJ, et al. Adv Pediatr Surg. 2023 Jun;29(1):9-16. https://doi.org/10.13029/aps.2023.29.1.9