J Rheum Dis.  2011 Jun;18(2):132-136.

Two Cases of Necrotizing Fasciitis in Patients with SLE

• Shin DS
• Seo MR
• Cho HJ
• Choi HJ
• Lee EB
• Baek HJ

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon, life-threatening infection of the subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia. The clinical course of NF is rapid and progressive, and it is often fatal despite the appropriate therapy. The prognosis of NF depends on a timely diagnosis and then proper treatment. At onset it may not be possible to clearly distinguish NF from minor soft-tissue infections. Although infection are common due to the use of steroids and immunosuppressive agents in patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), it is interesting that NF has rarely been reported with SLE. Here, we present two cases of NF with SLE.

Keyword

Necrotizing fascitis; SLE

MeSH Terms

Fasciitis, Necrotizing
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents
Prognosis
Steroids
Subcutaneous Tissue
Immunosuppressive Agents
Steroids

Figure

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  Figure 1. There are edematous changes and skin color changes on the right lower leg.

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  Figure 2. A hypointensive signal is seen in the anterior, lateral and posterior compartments (Right lower leg T1 image: A, white arrow). Thickening and enhanced fasciitis lesion is seen in the anterior, lateral and posterior compartments (T2 image: B, black arrow). Edematous change and enhanced myositis is seen in the tibialis anterior muscle (white arrow) and the extensor digitorum muscle (black arrow) (T2 image: C).

Reference

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