Abstract:
Introduction: Fournier’s gangrene is a very rare disease in infants and presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for pediatric surgeons.
Case Presentation: We report on 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?) 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. Risk factors for Fournier’s gangrene in children include low birth weight, premature birth, trauma, burns, and immunocompromising conditions, and sepsis can also be a cause. The patient had been born prematurely and was in a septic condition, which was presumed to be the cause of Fournier’s gangrene. The baby is in good condition and is growing well after discharge from the hospital.
Conclusion: This report would be helpful to clinicians in diagnosing and treating infant patients with Fournier’s gangrene.
Keywords: Fournier’s gangrene; Necrotizing fasciitis; Female infant.
