Critical Point-of-care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Fournier’s Gangrene: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Fournier’s gangrene is a severe, necrotizing, and potentially fatal, soft tissue infection of the perineum that can be difficult to diagnose clinically. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has established a critical role in emergency medicine as a quick diagnostic tool due to its safety, accuracy, and cost effectiveness. Case Report: We present a case in which POCUS was used to rapidly confirm diagnosis in an unstable, severely septic patient presenting to the emergency department with Fournier’s gangrene. Conclusion: Point-of-care ultrasound can be used to make the diagnosis of Fournier’s gangrene in critical patients when other diagnostic modalities are not feasible due to a patient’s clinical state.

PoCUS for the management of Fournier's gangrene in the emergency department: A case report

“…Advanced imaging, such as computer tomography, is currently the gold standard for diagnosis; however, its application may be difficult due to the instability of numerous affected patients, as well as the additional time, costs and radiation and contrast exposure involved (19). PoCUS provides valuable real-time information to surgeons, aiding in the planning of further surgical treatment for patients.…”