Kaohsiung J Med Sci
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Kaohsiung J Med Sci · Apr 1996
Early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis by utilization of ultrasonography.
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and rapid progression soft tissue infection. The only identifiable feature is tissue necrosis along a single fascia plane. Because the skin is initially spared, it is difficult for early recognition prior to extensive tissue destruction. ⋯ The ultrasonographic findings of necrotizing fasciitis included: 1) irregularity of the fascia; 2) abnormal fluid collections along the fascia plane; and 3) diffuse thickening of the fascia when compared with the control site in the normal limb. However, in severe infectious cellulitis, the above mentioned findings were not observed. Our results indicate the usefulness of the ultrasonography for early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis.