A Case of Rituximab-Induced Necrotizing Fasciitis and a Review of the Literature. (26th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdulkareem, Abdullateef; D'Souza, Ryan S.; Shogbesan, Oluwaseun; Donato, Anthony
• Other Names: Kyrtsonis Marie-Christine Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in hematology. Volume 2017(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-09-26
• Subjects: Hematology -- Periodicals; Hematology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Hematology; Hematologic Diseases; Blood -- Diseases; Hematology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.15
• DOI: 10.1155/2017/6971027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6560

Abstract

Abstract : Necrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant soft tissue infection characterized by rapid progression and high mortality. Rituximab is a generally well-tolerated immunosuppresive medication used for B-cell malignancies and some rheumatological disorders. We report a case of a 69-year-old male with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who suffered necrotizing fasciitis of his left lower extremity secondary to Clostridium septicum 7 weeks after treatment with rituximab. Despite immediate intravenous antimicrobial therapy and emergent fasciotomy with extensive debridement, his hospital course was complicated by septic shock and he required an above-the-knee amputation. Physicians need to be aware of the possibility of necrotizing fasciitis in patients presenting with skin infections after rituximab therapy.