The concomitant occurrence of hidradenitis suppurativa and Fournier’s gangrene
  • Georges Khattar
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA
  • Elie Bou Sanayeh
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA
  • Marina Makram
    Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York City, USA
  • Hussein Rabah
    Department of Sleep Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
  • Saif Abu Baker
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA
  • Salman Khan
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA
  • Catherine Hong
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA

Keywords

Fournier’s gangrene, hidradenitis suppurativa, septic shock, skin and soft tissue infection

Abstract

Background: Fournier’s gangrene represents a life-threatening necrotising infection affecting the perineal region, while hidradenitis suppurativa is characterised by a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The simultaneous occurrence of both conditions is exceedingly rare.
Case description: A 42-year-old female with a documented history of severe untreated hidradenitis suppurativa presented for shortness of breath, fever and lethargy, along with extensive wounds and skin breakdown involving the left axilla, perineum, lower back, lumbosacral region and bilateral gluteal areas, extending to the perineum. Upon presentation, the patient was in a state of septic shock, and a diagnosis of actively manifesting Fournier’s gangrene was established at the site of the pre-existing hidradenitis suppurativa lesions. Despite the implementation of an aggressive multidisciplinary approach incorporating surgical interventions, antibiotic therapy and intensive care measures, the patient’s condition deteriorated, culminating in septic shock, multi-organ failure and eventual demise. In this report, we discuss both clinical entities, their similarities and differences, and the possible mechanisms by which they may have co-occurred.
Conclusion: The co-existence of hidradenitis suppurativa and Fournier’s gangrene poses unique challenges, given the rapid progression of Fournier’s gangrene within the context of hidradenitis suppurativa, potentially suggesting the latter as a predisposing factor. This case underscores the importance of vigilant screening and management of hidradenitis suppurativa.

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    Published: 2024-04-23
    Issue: 2024: LATEST ONLINE (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Khattar G, Bou Sanayeh E, Makram M, Rabah H, Abu Baker S, Khan S, Hong C. The concomitant occurrence of hidradenitis suppurativa and Fournier’s gangrene. EJCRIM 2024;11 doi:10.12890/2024_004493.

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