J Korean Soc Transplant.  2009 Sep;23(2):169-171. 10.4285/jkstn.2009.23.2.169.

Necrotizing Fasciitis following Liver Transplantation

• Kim JD
• Han YS
• Choi DL

• KMID: 2097086
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/jkstn.2009.23.2.169

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly spreading subcutaneous infection. It can occur in patients after solid organ transplantation. But, the reports for necrotizing fasciitis after liver transplantation are very unusual. We report 2 patients with necrotizing fasciitis caused by bacterial and Aspergillus species infection. Their pre-transplantation condition was very poor due to hepatic encephalopathy, pressure sore, and admission for several months. Patients had a fulminant course for early potent immunosuppression period, despite of aggressive surgical debridement, withdrawal of immunosuppression, and adequate antibacterial and antifungal therapy. Therefore, necrotizing fasciitis has to be recognized as a potential complication after liver transplantation and Aspergillus species has to be added to the list of potential pathogens of surgical wound infections, especially in the setting of liver transplantation.

Keyword

Fasciitis; Necrosis; Aspergillus; Liver transplantation

MeSH Terms

Aspergillus
Debridement
Fasciitis
Fasciitis, Necrotizing
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Humans
Immunosuppression
Liver
Liver Transplantation
Necrosis
Organ Transplantation
Pressure Ulcer
Surgical Wound Infection
Transplants

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. A lot fungal hyphae in necrotic tissue (Hematoxylin and eosin, original magnification ×100) - Aspergillus species was confirmed by culture.

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