NYMC Faculty Publications
Fournier's Gangrene Mimicking an Acute Epididymitis
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1177/2050313X211059297
Journal Title
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
First Page
2050313
Last Page
2050313
Document Type
Case Report
Publication Date
11-19-2021
Department
Medicine
Abstract
Fournier's gangrene is a urologic emergency secondary to a necrotizing soft tissue infection. Fournier's gangrene is characterized by severe pain and features of Fournier's gangrene may include edema, blisters and bullae, crepitus, subcutaneous gas, and systemic symptoms. Risk factors include male gender, alcohol abuse, immunocompromised state, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, obesity, and malignancy. The diagnosis is made clinically but is often supported by radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment consists of emergent hospitalization and surgery to debride the necrotic tissues. Morbidity and mortality for Fournier's gangrene are very high if left untreated. Early surgical intervention is key to the successful treatment of Fournier's gangrene. This case report presents a case of Fournier's gangrene mimicking acute epididymitis and highlights the importance of a thorough physical examination with high clinical suspicion for Fournier's gangrene.
Recommended Citation
Larsen, K., Paige, A., Mutyala, M., Weber, B., & Slim, J. (2021). Fournier's Gangrene Mimicking an Acute Epididymitis. SAGE Open Medical Case Reports, 9, 2050313-2050313. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050313X211059297
