Streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis with toxic shock syndrome following cervical adenitis

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2004 Sep;68(9):1209-13. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2004.04.019.

Abstract

In the recent years an increase of serious invasive infections due to Group A Streptococcus have been reported. Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive soft tissue infection characterized by necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues and superficial fascia. We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome following cervical adenitis in a previously healthy 11-month-old boy. Cultures from blood and the necrotic lymph node grew Group A Streptococcus. Group A Streptococcus belonging to M1 serotype and producing streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin, SPE A was identified. Full recovery was achieved by aggressive treatment, which included intensive care support, extensive surgical debridement of necrotic lesions and antibiotic treatment with the combination of penicillin and clindamycin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / diagnosis
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / etiology*
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lymphadenitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphadenitis / etiology*
  • Lymphadenitis / microbiology
  • Male
  • Neck
  • Shock, Septic / complications*
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications*
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / isolation & purification*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed