[Subcutaneous emphysema of unusual extent]

Chirurg. 2007 Dec;78(12):1148-51. doi: 10.1007/s00104-007-1335-3.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Streptococcus agalactiae, known as a pathogen that causes meningitis and septicemia in neonates, emerges as an invasive organism in nonpregnant adults. This case report describes the fulminant course of a necrotizing fasciitis (NF) with streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSS) in a 76-year-old diabetic patient caused by S. agalactiae, serotype V. Chronic diseases and immunodeficiency are considered to be risk factors for the acquisition of group B streptococcal disease. Since early surgical treatment in conjunction with antimicrobial and intensive care therapy is critical for the outcome of patients with NF and/or STSS, clinicians should be aware of invasive S. agalactiae infections in adults with subcutaneous emphysema.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / surgery*
  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Critical Care
  • Debridement
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / surgery*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal*
  • Hip Fractures / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Reoperation
  • Shock, Septic / diagnosis
  • Shock, Septic / surgery
  • Streptococcal Infections / surgery*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae*
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / etiology*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / surgery*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents