Necrotizing Fasciitis? A Mimic Produced by an Unusual Presentation of Necrotizing Neutrophilic Dermatosis of the Hand: A Case Report

Hussein Abdul-Rassoul, Robert Hight, Angad Chadha, Jason Strelzow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Case:A 50-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with hand pain and a laceration. Despite administration of antibiotics, the patient progressively worsened leading to a concern for a necrotizing soft-tissue infection. She underwent multiple debridements yet continued to worsen clinically. Tissue biopsy was eventually consistent with a necrotizing neutrophilic dermatosis. The patient was then started on oral steroids with rapid improvement of her clinical status and hand examination.Conclusion:While neutrophilic dermatoses are rare, the orthopaedic surgeon treating soft-tissue infections should maintain a broad differential when treatment of a potential necrotizing infection has not led to diagnostic closure and clinical improvement.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberA54
JournalJBJS case connector
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 3 2023

Keywords

  • atypical infection
  • hand
  • necrotizing fasciitis
  • necrotizing neutrophilic dermatosis
  • neutrophilic dermatosis

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