Necrotizing subcutaneous infection (NSI) is typically caused by a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic organisms that cause necrosis of subcutaneous tissue, usually including the fascia. This infection most commonly affects the extremities and perineum. Affected tissues become red, hot, and swollen, resembling severe cellulitis (see Bacterial Skin Infections: Cellulitis), and pain develops out of proportion to clinical findings. Without timely treatment, the area becomes gangrenous. Patients are acutely ill. Diagnosis is by history and examination and is supported by evidence of overwhelming infection. Treatment involves antibiotics and surgical debridement. Prognosis is poor without early, aggressive treatment.

Etiology

NSI typically results from infection with group A streptococci (eg, Streptococcus pyogenes) or a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (eg, Bacteroides sp). These organisms typically extend to subcutaneous tissue from a contiguous ulcer or an infection or after trauma. Streptococci can arrive from a remote site of infection via the bloodstream. Perineal involvement (also called Fournier gangrene) is usually a complication of recent surgery, perirectal abscess, periurethral gland infection, or retroperitoneal infection resulting from perforated abdominal viscera. Patients with diabetes are at particular risk of NSI.

Pathophysiology

NSI causes tissue ischemia by widespread occlusion of small subcutaneous vessels. Vessel occlusion results in skin infarction and necrosis, which facilitates the growth of obligate anaerobes (eg, Bacteroides) while promoting anaerobic metabolism by facultative organisms (eg, Escherichia coli), resulting in gangrene. Anaerobic metabolism produces hydrogen and nitrogen, relatively insoluble gases that may accumulate in subcutaneous tissues.

Symptoms and Signs

The primary symptom is intense pain. In patients with normal sensation, pain out of proportion to clinical findings may be an early clue. However, in areas denervated by peripheral neuropathy, pain may be minimal or absent. Affected tissue is red, hot, and swollen and rapidly becomes discolored. Bullae, crepitus (resulting from soft-tissue gas), and gangrene may develop. Subcutaneous tissues (including adjacent fascia) necrose, with widespread undermining of surrounding tissue. Muscles are spared initially. Patients are acutely ill, with high fever, tachycardia, altered mental status ranging from confusion to obtundation, and hypotension. Patients may be bacteremic or septic and may require aggressive hemodynamic support. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome may develop.

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination
• Blood and wound cultures

Diagnosis, made by history and examination, is supported by leukocytosis, soft-tissue gas on x-ray, positive blood cultures, and deteriorating metabolic and hemodynamic status.

NSI must be differentiated from clostridial soft-tissue infections, in which cellulitis, myositis, and myonecrosis often occur (see Anaerobic Bacteria: Clostridial Soft-Tissue Infections). Such infections are anaerobic. Anaerobic cellulitis produces lots of gas but little pain, edema, or change in skin; it very seldom travels into the muscle. Necrotizing myositis manifests with fever, pain, and muscle swelling without early skin changes; later, skin may develop redness, warmth, purpura, and bullae.

Prognosis

Mortality rate is about 30%. Old age, underlying medical problems, delayed diagnosis and therapy, and insufficient surgical debridement worsen prognosis.

Treatment

• Surgical debridement
• Antibiotics
• Amputation if necessary

Treatment of early NSI is primarily surgical, which should not be delayed by diagnostic studies. IV antibiotics are adjuncts, usually including 2 or more drugs, but regimens vary depending on results of Gram stain and culture (eg, penicillin GSome Trade Names
BICILLIN
WYCILLIN
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4 million units q 4 h combined with clindamycinSome Trade Names
CLEOCIN
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600 to 900 mg q 8 h or ceftriaxoneSome Trade Names
ROCEPHIN
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2 g q 12 h). Evidence of bullae, ecchymosis, fluctuance, crepitus, and systemic spread of infection requires immediate surgical exploration and debridement. The initial incision should be extended until an instrument or finger can no longer separate the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the deep fascia. The most common error is insufficient surgical intervention; repeat operation every 1 to 2 days, with further incision and debridement as needed, should be carried out routinely. Amputation of an extremity may be necessary.

Pearls & Pitfalls If findings suggest NSI, arrange for surgical treatment without delay for testing and institute IV fluid and antibiotic therapy.

IV fluids may be needed in large volumes before and after surgery. Antibiotic choices should be reviewed based on Gram stain and culture of tissues obtained during surgery. Hyperbaric O₂ therapy as adjuvant therapy may also be of benefit; however, the evidence is inconclusive. IV immune globulin has been suggested for streptococcal toxic shock syndrome with NSI.

Key Points

• NSI can develop from a contiguous ulcer, an infection, or hematogenous spread or after trauma.
• Consider NSI in patients with characteristic findings or pain out of proportion to clinical findings, particularly patients with diabetes or other risk factors.
• Arrange surgical therapy while instituting IV fluid and antibiotic therapy and without delaying for testing.

Last full review/revision May 2013 by A. Damian Dhar, MD, JD

Content last modified May 2013