"Synchronous" multifocal necrotizing fasciitis.
BACKGROUND
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an infection of the soft tissue, and is fatal if not promptly and aggressively treated. Although it is rare, it is not exceptional; nevertheless, its presentation may be misleading and may delay the diagnosis. We highlight the possible synchronous development of NF in multiple noncontiguous areas.


METHODS
A 44-year-old diabetic man with no history of trauma complained of nonspecific lower back pain, which he treated with analgesics and oral antibiotics. Erythema at the left arm appeared, and the general condition worsened. The patient was admitted to the Emergency Department, and NF was diagnosed at the right gluteus and left arm.


CONCLUSIONS
"Synchronous" multifocality is not an expected presentation of NF, and it complicates the diagnosis and delays treatment, with a potentially negative impact on outcome.
Institute of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Ilaria
I
Tocco
Luca
L
Lancerotto
Alex
A
Pontini
Anna
A
Voltan
Bruno
B
Azzena
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D002081:Buttocks; D016638:Critical Illness; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
fascia; infection; multifocal; necrotizing fasciitis; soft tissues