Sonographic Findings in Necrotizing Fasciitis: Two Ends of the Spectrum. (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shyy, William; Knight, Roneesha S.; Goldstein, Ruth; Isaacs, Eric D.; Teismann, Nathan A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of ultrasound in medicine. Volume 35:Number 10(2016)
• Page Start: 2273
• Page End: 2277
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: emergency medicine -- musculoskeletal infections -- necrotizing fasciitis -- soft tissue infections; Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; Ultrasonics; Ultrasonography; Ultrasonics in medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.07543
• DOI: 10.7863/ultra.15.12068
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-4297

Abstract

Abstract : Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but serious disease, and early diagnosis is essential to reducing its substantial morbidity and mortality. The 2 cases presented show that the key clinical and radiographic features of necrotizing fasciitis exist along a continuum of severity at initial presentation; thus, this diagnosis should not be prematurely ruled out in cases that do not show the dramatic features familiar to most clinicians. Although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are considered the most effective imaging modalities, the cases described here illustrate how sonography should be recommended as an initial imaging test to make a rapid diagnosis and initiate therapy.