Fournier gangrene: diagnosis with scrotal US.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Skin thickening and subcutaneous air were detected at ultrasound (US) of the scrotum in a patient with normal-appearing testicles and signs and symptoms suggestive of an acute inflammatory process, such as epidydimitis or orchitis. The patient was found to have Fournier gangrene. In more advanced cases, US can demonstrate that this skin thickening and subcutaneous air extends posteriorly to include the perineum and buttocks. Because of the high mortality of this mixed anaerobic and aerobic infection, it is important to recognize Fournier gangrene early so that the correct surgical and medical treatment can be promptly instituted. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of the US characteristics of Fournier gangrene.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Begley, MG; Shawker, TH; Robertson, CN; Bock, SN; Wei, JP; Lotze, MT

Published Date

  • November 1988

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 169 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 387 - 389

PubMed ID

  • 3051115

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0033-8419

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1148/radiology.169.2.3051115

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States