title: Magnetic resonance imaging in the early diagnosis of group A beta streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis: a case report.
abstract: Early diagnosis of invasive group A beta streptococcal (GABS) infection has been achieved in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) complemented by needle aspiration. Life-saving treatments of GABS infection that include immediate surgical debridement along with the administration of i.v. antibiotics, gamma globulin, and hyperbaric oxygen were then implemented successfully to prevent the development of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. While MRI is valuable in making early diagnosis of GABS, it should not delay surgical intervention.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Drake
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Bill
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Kesser
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Wenger
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Neal
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Edlich
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D004630:Emergencies; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013997:Time Factors