Editing Necrotizing fasciitis

{{short description|Infection that results in the death of the body's soft tissue}}
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name = Necrotizing fasciitis
| synonyms = Flesh-eating bacteria, flesh-eating bacteria syndrome,<ref>{{cite book|last1=Rakel|first1=David|last2=Rakel|first2=Robert E.|title=Textbook of Family Medicine|date=2015|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|isbn=9780323313087|page=193|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8huMBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA193|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908204612/https://books.google.com/books?id=8huMBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA193|archive-date=2017-09-08}}</ref> necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI),<ref name=Hak2014/> fasciitis necroticans
| image = Necrotizing fasciitis left leg.JPEG
| caption = Person with necrotizing fasciitis. The left leg shows extensive [[erythema|redness]] and [[necrosis|tissue death]].
| field = [[Infectious disease (medical specialty)|Infectious disease]]
| pronounce = {{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|ɛ|k|r|ə|ˌ|t|aɪ|z|ɪ|ŋ|_|ˌ|f|æ|ʃ|i|ˈ|aɪ|t|ɪ|s}} or {{IPAc-en|ˌ|f|æ|s|-}}
| symptoms = [[Pain out of proportion|Severe pain]], [[fever]], purple colored skin in the affected area<ref name=CDC2016/>
| complications = 
| onset = Sudden, spreads rapidly<ref name=CDC2016/>
| duration = 
| causes = Multiple types of [[bacteria]],<ref name=Paz2014/> occasional [[fungus]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ralston |first1=Stuart H. |last2=Penman |first2=Ian D. |last3=Strachan |first3=Mark W. J. |last4=Hobson |first4=Richard |title=Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine E-Book |date=2018 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=9780702070266 |page=227 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v3VKDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA227 |language=en}}</ref>
| risks = [[immunodeficiency|Poor immune function]] such as from [[diabetes]] or [[cancer]], [[obesity]], [[alcoholism]], [[intravenous drug use]], [[peripheral artery disease]]<ref name=Hak2014/><ref name=CDC2016/>
| diagnosis = Based on symptoms, [[medical imaging]]<ref name=Paz2014/>
| differential = [[Cellulitis]], [[pyomyositis]], [[gas gangrene]], [[toxic shock syndrome]] or [[toxic shock-like syndrome]], [[pyoderma gangrenosum]], [[deep vein thrombosis]], [[Mucormycosis]], [[brown recluse spider bite]]<ref name=Fer2014>{{cite book |last1=Ferri |first1=Fred F. |title=Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2014 E-Book: 5 Books in 1 |date=2013 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=978-0323084314 |page=767 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H63KViNwsdcC&pg=PA767 |language=en}}</ref>
| prevention = [[Wound care]], [[handwashing]]<ref name=CDC2016/>
| treatment = [[debridement|Surgery to remove the infected tissue]], intravenous [[antibiotic]]s<ref name=Hak2014/><ref name=CDC2016/>
| medication = 
| prognosis = ~30% mortality with treatment,<ref name=Hak2014/> ~100% mortality without treatment
| frequency = 0.7 per 100,000 per year<ref name=Paz2014/>
| deaths = 
}}
[[File:Blackish discolouration with vesicle formation on the thigh NF.webp|thumb|Blackish discoloration with vesicle formation on the thigh in a case of necrotizing fasciitis]]<!-- Definition and symptoms -->
'''Necrotizing fasciitis''' ('''NF'''), also known as '''flesh-eating disease''', is an [[infection]] that kills the body's [[soft tissue]].<ref name="CDC2016">{{cite web |date=September 8, 2023 |title=Necrotizing Fasciitis |url=https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/necrotizing-fasciitis/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=December 3, 2024 |website=NORD}}</ref> It is a serious disease that begins and spreads quickly.<ref name=CDC2016/> Symptoms include red or purple or black skin, swelling, severe pain, [[fever]], and vomiting.<ref name=CDC2016/> The most commonly affected areas are the [[limb (anatomy)|limbs]] and [[perineum]].<ref name=Hak2014/>

<!-- Cause and diagnosis -->
Bacterial infection is by far the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis.  Despite being called a "flesh-eating disease", bacteria do not eat human tissue. Rather, they release toxins that cause tissue death. Typically, the infection enters the body through a break in the skin such as a cut or [[burn]].<ref name=CDC2016/> Risk factors include recent trauma or surgery and [[immunodeficiency|a weakened immune system]] due to [[diabetes]] or [[cancer]], [[obesity]], [[alcoholism]], [[intravenous drug use]], and [[peripheral artery disease]].<ref name="CDC2016" /><ref name=Hak2014/> It does not usually spread between people.<ref name=CDC2016/> The disease is classified into four types, depending on the infecting organisms.<ref name=Paz2014/>  [[Medical imaging]] is often helpful to confirm the diagnosis.<ref name=Paz2014>{{cite journal|last1=Paz Maya|first1=S|last2=Dualde Beltrán|first2=D|last3=Lemercier|first3=P|last4=Leiva-Salinas|first4=C|title=Necrotizing fasciitis: an urgent diagnosis|journal=Skeletal Radiology|date=May 2014|volume=43|issue=5|pages=577–589|pmid=24469151|doi=10.1007/s00256-013-1813-2|s2cid=9705500|doi-access=free}}</ref><!-- Quote = Imaging is very useful to confirm the diagnosis -->

<!-- Treatment -->
Necrotizing fasciitis is treated with [[debridement|surgery to remove the infected tissue]], and [[antibiotic]]s.<ref name="Hak2014">{{cite journal |last1=Hakkarainen |first1=Timo W. |last2=Kopari |first2=Nicole M. |last3=Pham |first3=Tam N. |last4=Evans |first4=Heather L. |year=2014 |title=Necrotizing soft tissue infections: Review and current concepts in treatment, systems of care, and outcomes |journal=Current Problems in Surgery |language=en-US |volume=51 |issue=8 |pages=344–362 |doi=10.1067/j.cpsurg.2014.06.001 |pmc=4199388 |pmid=25069713}}</ref><ref name=CDC2016/> It is considered a surgical emergency. Delays in surgery are associated with a much higher risk of death.<ref name=Paz2014/> Despite high-quality treatment, the risk of death remains between 25 and 35%.<ref name=Hak2014/>

==Signs and symptoms==
Symptoms emerge very quickly, often within hours.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=UpToDate |url=https://www.uptodate.com/contents/necrotizing-soft-tissue-infections?search=necrotizing%20fasciitis%20antibiotics&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H24 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=www.uptodate.com}}</ref> Manifestations include:

* Redness and swelling
* Induration (hardening of the skin and soft tissue)
* Excessive pain
* Systemic symptoms, including high fever > 102&nbsp;°F, fatigue, muscle pains<ref name=":5" />
* Large amounts of smelly pus and discharge, especially at a surgical site<ref name="CDC2016" />

The initial skin changes are similar to [[cellulitis]] or [[abscess]], so diagnosis in early stages may be difficult. The redness and swelling usually blend into surrounding normal tissues. The overlying skin may appear shiny and tense as well.<ref name="Trent 2002">{{cite journal |last1=Trent |first1=Jennifer T. |last2=Kirsner |first2=Robert S. |year=2002 |title=Necrotizing fasciitis |journal=Wounds |volume=14 |issue=8 |pages=284–292 |url=http://www.woundsresearch.com/article/945 }}</ref>

Later signs more suggestive of necrotizing changes (but only present in less than half of cases) are:

* [[Bulla (dermatology)|Bullae]] (blisters)
* Crepitus (palpable gas in tissues)
* Reduced or absent sensation over the skin of the affected area<ref name="Hak2014" /> 
* [[Ecchymosis]] (bruising) that progresses to skin [[necrosis]].<ref name="Hak2014" /> This is because the skin changes color from red to purple and black due to [[thrombosis|clotting]] blood vessels<ref name="Trent 2002" />

Rapid progression to [[shock (circulatory)|shock]] despite antibiotic therapy is another indication of necrotizing fasciitis. However, those who are immunocompromised may not show typical symptoms. This includes but is not limited to patients with:

* Cancer or malignancy
* [[Corticosteroid]] use
* Current [[Radiation therapy|radiotherapy]] or [[chemotherapy]]
* [[HIV/AIDS]]
* History of [[Organ transplantation|organ]] or [[Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation|bone marrow]] transplant

Immunocompromised persons are twice as likely to die from necrotizing infections compared to the greater population, so higher suspicion should be maintained in this group.<ref name="Hak2014" />

<gallery>File:Very early symptom of NF.jpg|The first symptom of NF. The center is clearly getting darker red (purple).
File:Early symptoms of NF.jpg|Early symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis. The darker red center is going black.
File:Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Vibrio Vulnificus.png|Necrotizing fasciitis type III caused by ''[[Vibrio vulnificus]]''.
</gallery>

==Causes==

===Risk factors===
Vulnerable populations are typically older with medical comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, and immunodeficiency.<ref name="Paz2014" />  Other documented risk factors include:

* Any trauma or lacerations
* Injection drug use
* Recent surgery
* Injury of mucous membranes, including hemorrhoids, rectal fissures
* Peripheral artery disease
* Cancer
* Alcohol use disorder
* Pregnancy or recent childbirth<ref name=":5" />

For reasons that are unclear, it can also infect healthy individuals with no previous medical history or injury.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{cite journal |vauthors= Pricop M, Urechescu H, Sîrbu A, Urtilă E |title= Fasceita necrozantă cervico-toracică: caz clinic și recenzie a literaturii de specialitate |trans-title= Necrotizing cervical fasciitis: clinical case and review of literature |language= ro |journal= Revista de Chirurgie Oro-Maxilo-Facială și Implantologie |issn= 2069-3850 |volume= 2 |issue= 1 |pages= 1–6 |date= Mar 2011 |url= http://www.revistaomf.ro/(1)Colectia-pe-ani/(15)Anul-2011/(16)Numarul-1-2011/(17)Fasceita-necrozanta-cervico-toracica-caz-clinic-si-recenzie-a-literaturii-de-specialitate |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160322050522/http://www.revistaomf.ro/(1)Colectia-pe-ani/(15)Anul-2011/(16)Numarul-1-2011/(17)Fasceita-necrozanta-cervico-toracica-caz-clinic-si-recenzie-a-literaturii-de-specialitate |archive-date= 2016-03-22 |access-date= 2016-04-07 }}</ref>

[[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug|NSAIDs]] may increase the rates of necrotizing infections by impairing the body's immune response. NSAIDs inhibit the production of [[Prostaglandin E2|prostaglandins]] responsible for fever, inflammation, and pain. In theory, it also prevents [[Leukocyte extravasation|white blood cells from migrating to infected areas]], thus increasing the risk of soft-tissue infections.<ref name="Hak2014" /><ref name=":5" />

Skin infections such as abscesses and ulcers can also complicate NF. A small percentage of people can also get NF when bacteria from [[streptococcal pharyngitis]] spreads through the blood.<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal |last=Olsen |first=Randall J. |last2=Musser |first2=James M. |date=2010-01-01 |title=Molecular Pathogenesis of Necrotizing Fasciitis |url=https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-pathol-121808-102135 |journal=Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease |language=en |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=1–31 |doi=10.1146/annurev-pathol-121808-102135 |issn=1553-4006|url-access=subscription }}</ref> For infection of the perineum and genitals ([[Fournier gangrene]]), [[urinary tract infection]], [[Kidney stone disease|renal stones]], and [[Bartholin gland]] abscess may also be implicated.<ref name="Hak2014" />

=== Prevention ===
Good wound care and handwashing reduces the risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis.<ref name="CDC2016" /> It is unclear if people with a weakened immune system would benefit from taking antibiotics after being exposed to a necrotizing infection.  Generally, such a regimen entails 250 mg penicillin four times daily for 10 days.<ref name=":5" />

===Bacteria===
Necrotizing fasciitis is divided into four classes by the type of bacteria causing the infection. This classification system was first described by Giuliano and his colleagues in 1977.<ref name=Paz2014/><ref name=Hak2014/>

'''Type I infection''': This is the most common type of infection, and accounts for 70 to 80% of cases. It is caused by a mixture of bacterial types, usually in abdominal or groin areas.<ref name="Paz2014" /> These bacterial species include:

* [[Gram-positive]] cocci (''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'', ''[[Streptococcus pyogenes]]'', and [[Enterococci]])<ref name="CDC2016" />
* [[Gram-negative]] rods (''[[Escherichia coli]]'', ''[[Pseudomonas aeruginosa]], [[Klebsiella]] species,'' ''[[Bacteroides]]'' species, ''[[Prevotella]]'' species)<ref name="CDC2016" />
* ''[[Clostridium]]'' species (''[[Clostridium perfringens]]'', ''[[Clostridium septicum]]'', and ''[[Clostridium sordellii]]'')<ref name="Paz2014" />

In polymicrobial (mixed) infections, [[Streptococcus pyogenes|Group A Streptococcus]] (''S. pyogenes'') is the most commonly found bacterium, followed by ''[[Staphylococcus aureus|S. aureus]].''<ref name=":6" /> However, when the infection is caused solely by ''S. pyogenes'' and/or ''S. aureus'', it is classified as a Type II infection.

Gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes like ''Clostridia'' are more often implicated in [[Fournier gangrene]]. This is a subtype of Type I infections affecting the groin and perianal areas.<ref name=":6" /> ''Clostridia'' account for 10% of overall type I infections and typically cause a specific kind of necrotizing fasciitis known as [[gas gangrene]] or myonecrosis.

'''Type II infection''': This infection accounts for 20 to 30% of cases, mainly involving the extremities.<ref name=Paz2014/><ref name="SaraniStrong2009">{{cite journal |last1=Sarani |first1=Babak |last2=Strong |first2=Michelle |last3=Pascual |first3=Jose |last4=Schwab |first4=C. William |title=Necrotizing Fasciitis: Current Concepts and Review of the Literature |journal=Journal of the American College of Surgeons |volume=208 |issue=2 |pages=279–288 |year=2009 |pmid=19228540 |doi=10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2008.10.032 }}</ref> This involves ''[[Streptococcus pyogenes]]'', alone or in combination with [[Staphylococcus|staphylococcal]] infections. [[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus|Methicillin-resistant ''Staphylococcus aureus'']] (MRSA) is involved in up to a third of Type II infections.<ref name="Paz2014" /> Infection by either type of bacteria can progress rapidly and manifest as [[Toxic shock syndrome|shock]]. Type II infection more commonly affects young, healthy adults with a history of injury.<ref name=Hak2014/>

'''Type III infection''': ''[[Vibrio vulnificus]]'' is a bacterium found in [[Seawater|saltwater]]. It occasionally causes NF after entering the body through a break in the skin.<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal |last=Coerdt |first=Kathleen M |last2=Khachemoune |first2=Amor |date=2021-03-01 |title=Vibrio vulnificus: Review of Mild to Life-threatening Skin Infections |url=https://www.mdedge.com/dermatology/article/236136/infectious-diseases/vibrio-vulnificus-review-mild-life-threatening-skin |journal=Cutis |volume=107 |issue=2 |doi=10.12788/cutis.0183}}</ref> One in three patients with a ''V. vulnificus'' infection develop necrotizing fasciitis.<ref name=":7" /> Disease progression is similar to type II but sometimes with few visible skin changes.<ref name=Hak2014/>

'''Type IV infection''': This type of NF accounts for less than 1% of cases. It is mostly caused by the ''[[Candida albicans]]'' fungus. Risk factors include age and immunodeficiency.<ref name=Paz2014/><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Buchanan |first1=Patrick J. |last2=Mast |first2=Bruce A. |last3=Lottenburg |first3=Lawrence |last4=Kim |first4=Tad |last5=Efron |first5=Philip A. |last6=Ang |first6=Darwin N. |date=June 2013 |title=Candida albicans Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection |url=https://journals.lww.com/annalsplasticsurgery/abstract/2013/06000/candida_albicans_necrotizing_soft_tissue.32.aspx |journal=Annals of Plastic Surgery |volume=70 |issue=6 |pages=739–741 |doi=10.1097/SAP.0b013e31823fac60|pmid=23123606 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==Diagnosis==
[[Image:Necrotizing fasciitis - intermed mag.jpg|thumb|[[Micrograph]] of necrotizing fasciitis, showing necrosis (center of image) of the dense connective tissue, i.e. [[fascia]], interposed between fat lobules (top-right and bottom-left of image), [[H&E stain]]]]

Early diagnosis is difficult, as the disease often first appears like a [[Cellulitis|simple superficial skin infection]].<ref name="Paz2014" /> While a number of labs and imaging can raise the suspicion for necrotizing fasciitis, none can rule it out.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=April |first1=MD |last2=Long |first2=B |title=What Is the Accuracy of Physical Examination, Imaging, and the LRINEC Score for the Diagnosis of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection? |journal=Annals of Emergency Medicine |volume=73 |issue=1 |pages=22–24 |date=13 August 2018 |doi=10.1016/j.annemergmed.2018.06.029 |pmid=30115465|doi-access=free }}</ref> The gold standard for diagnosis is a surgical exploration and subsequent tissue biopsy. When in doubt, a 2-cm incision can be made into the affected tissue under local anesthesia.<ref name="Hak2014" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Wei |first1=Xin-ke |last2=Huo |first2=Jun-yi |last3=Yang |first3=Qin |last4=Li |first4=Jing |date=2024 |title=Early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis: Imaging techniques and their combined application |journal=International Wound Journal |language=en |volume=21 |issue=1 |pages=e14379 |doi=10.1111/iwj.14379 |issn=1742-481X |pmc=10784425 |pmid=37679292}}</ref>  If a finger easily separates the tissue along the [[fascia]], then the finger test is positive. This confirms the diagnosis, and an extensive [[debridement]] should be performed.<ref name="Hak2014" /><ref name=":0" />

=== Medical imaging ===
[[File:CT scan of right thigh, showing inflammatory stranding and low attenuation in vastus latralis (arrow).webp|thumb|CT scan of right thigh, showing inflammatory stranding and low attenuation in vastus lateralis muscle (arrow)]]
Necrotizing fasciitis is ideally a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms. Due to the need for rapid surgical treatment, the time delay in performing imaging is a major concern.<ref name=":0" />  Hence, imaging may not be needed if signs of a necrotizing infection are clear.  However, due to the vague symptoms associated with the earlier stages of this disease, imaging is often useful in clarifying or confirming the diagnosis.<ref name=":0" />

Both CT scan and MRI are used to diagnose NF, but neither are sensitive enough to rule out necrotizing changes completely.<ref name="Hak2014" />

==== Computed tomography (CT) ====
[[File:Pnecrotisingfasc.png|thumb|Necrotizing fasciitis producing gas in the soft tissues as seen on CT scan]]
If available, [[CT scan|computed tomography]] (CT) is the most convenient tool in diagnosing NF due to its speed and resolution (detects about 80% of NF cases).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Puvanendran |first1=R |last2=Huey |first2=JC |last3=Pasupathy |first3=S |date=October 2009 |title=Necrotizing fasciitis |journal=Canadian Family Physician |volume=55 |issue=10 |pages=981–987 |pmc=2762295 |pmid=19826154}}</ref> CT scan may show fascial thickening, edema, or abscess formation.<ref name="Hak2014" /><ref name=":0" /> CT is able to pick up on [[Subcutaneous emphysema|gas within tissues]] better than MRI, but it is not unusual for NF to present without gas on imaging.<ref name=":0" /> In addition, CT is helpful in evaluating complications due to NF and finding possible sources of infections.<ref name=":0" /> Its use may be limited in pregnant patients and patients with kidney issues.<ref name=":0" />

==== Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ====
[[File:Necrotizing fasciitis MRI.png|thumb|Axial T2 weighted MRI (a) and contrast-enhanced MRI (b) of left wrist showing necrotizing fasciitis. There is diffuse hyperintensity with irregular enhancement of the deep fascia (asterisks). The arrows indicate a lobulating abscess, and the triangle a skin bulla.]]
[[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) is considered superior to [[CT scan|computed tomography]] (CT) in the visualization of soft tissues and is able to detect about 93% of NF cases.<ref name=":0" /> It is especially useful in finding fluid in the deep fascia, which can distinguish between NF and cellulitis.<ref name=":0" />  When fluid collects in the deep fascia, or thickening or enhancement with [[Contrast medium|contrast]], necrotizing fasciitis should be strongly suspected. However, MRI is much slower than CT and not as widely available.<ref name=":0" />  There may also be limitations on its use in patients with kidney problems.<ref name=":0" />

==== Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) ====
[[File:UOTW 58 - Ultrasound of the Week 1.webm|thumb|Necrotizing fasciitis as seen on ultrasound<ref>{{cite web |date=7 September 2015 |title=UOTW#58 – Ultrasound of the Week |url=https://www.ultrasoundoftheweek.com/uotw-58/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718055845/http://www.ultrasoundoftheweek.com/uotw-58/ |archive-date=18 July 2016 |access-date=27 May 2017 |website=Ultrasound of the Week}}</ref>]]
[[File:Necrotizing fasciitis with soft tissue gas NF.webp|thumb|Necrotizing fasciitis with soft tissue gas seen on (b) plain radiography and (c) ultrasound]]
[[Emergency ultrasound|Point-of-care ultrasound]] (POCUS) may be useful in the diagnosis of NF if MRI and CT are not available.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Gan |first1=Rick Kye |last2=Sanchez Martinez |first2=Antoni |last3=Abu Hasan |first3=Muhammad Abdus-Syakur |last4=Castro Delgado |first4=Rafael |last5=Arcos González |first5=Pedro |date=2023-06-01 |title=Point-of-care ultrasonography in diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis—a literature review |journal=Journal of Ultrasound |language=en |volume=26 |issue=2 |pages=343–353 |doi=10.1007/s40477-022-00761-5 |issn=1876-7931 |pmc=10247625 |pmid=36694072}}</ref> It can also help rule out diagnoses that mimic earlier stages of NF, including [[Deep vein thrombosis|deep vein thrombosis (DVT)]], superficial abscesses, and [[venous stasis]].<ref name=":1" /> Linear probes are generally preferred for the assessment, especially in the extremities.<ref name=":1" />

Findings characteristic of NF include abnormal thickening, air, or fluid in the [[subcutaneous tissue]].<ref name=":1" /> This can be summarized as the mnemonic "STAFF" (Subcutaneous irregularity or Thickening, Air, and Fascial Fluid).<ref name=":1" /> The official diagnosis of NF using ultrasound requires "the presence of BOTH diffuse subcutaneous thickening AND fascial fluid more than 2 mm."<ref name=":1" /> Gas in the subcutaneous tissue may show "dirty acoustic shadowing."<ref name=":0" /> However, similar to other imaging modalities, the absence of subcutaneous free air does not definitively rule out a diagnosis of NF, because this is a finding that often emerges later in the disease process.<ref name=":1" />

Of note, the quality and accuracy of POCUS is highly user-dependent.  It may also be difficult to visualize NF over larger areas, or if there are many intervening layers of fat or muscle.  It is still unclear whether POCUS improves the speed of diagnosis of NF, or if it reduces the time to surgical intervention as a whole.<ref name=":1" />

==== Plain radiography (X-ray) ====
It is difficult to distinguish NF from cellulitis in earlier stages of the disease using plain radiography.<ref name=":0" /> X-rays can detect subcutaneous emphysema (gas in the [[subcutaneous tissue]]), which is strongly suggestive of necrotizing changes. However, air is often a late-stage finding, and not all necrotizing skin infections create subcutaneous emphysema. Hence, radiography is not recommended for the initial diagnosis of NF.<ref name=":0" /> However, it may be able to identify the source of infection, such as foreign bodies or fractures, and thus aid in subsequent treatment.<ref name=":0" />

===Scoring system===
Correlated with clinical findings, a white blood cell count greater than 15,000 cells/mm<sup>3</sup> and serum sodium level less than 135 mmol/L are predictive of necrotizing fasciitis in 90% of cases.<ref name="CDC2016" /> If lab values do not meet those values, there is a 99% chance that the patient does not have NF.  There are various scoring systems to determine the likelihood of getting necrotizing fasciitis. The laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) scoring system developed by Wong and their colleagues in 2004 is the most common. It evaluates people with severe cellulitis or abscess to determine the likelihood of necrotizing fasciitis.

LRINEC uses six laboratory values: [[C-reactive protein]], total [[white blood cell]] count, [[hemoglobin]], [[sodium]], [[creatinine]], and blood [[glucose]].<ref name="Hak2014" /> A score of 6 or more indicates that there is a 50-75% probability of necrotizing fasciitis. A score of 8 or more represents over 75% likelihood of NF.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Wong 2004">{{cite journal |last1=Wong |first1=Chin-Ho |last2=Khin |first2=Lay-Wai |last3=Heng |first3=Kien-Seng |last4=Tan |first4=Kok-Chai |last5=Low |first5=Cheng-Ooi |title=The LRINEC (Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis) score: A tool for distinguishing necrotizing fasciitis from other soft tissue infections |journal=Critical Care Medicine |volume=32 |issue=7 |pages=1535–1541 |year=2004 |pmid=15241098 |doi=10.1097/01.CCM.0000129486.35458.7D |s2cid=15126133 }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Fernando |first1=Shannon M. |last2=Tran |first2=Alexandre |last3=Cheng |first3=Wei |last4=Rochwerg |first4=Bram |last5=Kyeremanteng |first5=Kwadwo |last6=Seely |first6=Andrew J. E. |last7=Inaba |first7=Kenji |last8=Perry |first8=Jeffrey J. |date=January 2019 |title=Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection: Diagnostic Accuracy of Physical Examination, Imaging, and LRINEC Score: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis |url=https://journals.lww.com/00000658-201901000-00015 |journal=Annals of Surgery |language=en |volume=269 |issue=1 |pages=58–65 |doi=10.1097/SLA.0000000000002774 |pmid=29672405 |issn=0003-4932|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Patients with a LRINEC score ≥6 may have a higher rate of both death and amputation as well.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Su |first1=Yi-Chun |last2=Chen |first2=Hung-Wen |last3=Hong |first3=Yu-Cheng |last4=Chen |first4=Chih-Tsung |last5=Hsiao |first5=Cheng-Ting |last6=Chen |first6=I-Chuan |year=2008 |title=Laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis score and the outcomes |journal=ANZ Journal of Surgery |volume=78 |issue=11 |pages=968–972 |doi=10.1111/j.1445-2197.2008.04713.x |pmid=18959694 |s2cid=10467377}}</ref> The scoring criteria are:<ref name="Wong 2004" /><ref>{{cite web |title=LRINEC scoring system for necrotising fasciitis |url=http://www.emergency-medicine-tutorials.org/Home/medical-3/infectious-diseases-1/bacterial/necrotising-fascitis/lrinec-scoring-system-for-necrotising-fascitis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914215239/http://www.emergency-medicine-tutorials.org/Home/medical-3/infectious-diseases-1/bacterial/necrotising-fascitis/lrinec-scoring-system-for-necrotising-fascitis |archive-date=2011-09-14 |website=EMT Emergency Medicine Tutorials}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''LRINEC Scoring System'''
!Lab value
!Criteria
!Points*
|-
|CRP
|≥ 15 mg/dL (150 mg/L)
| +4
|-
| rowspan="2" |WBC count (×10<sup>3</sup>)
|15 - 25/mm<sup>3</sup>
| +1
|-
|> 25/mm<sup>3</sup>
| +2
|-
| rowspan="2" |Hemoglobin
|11 - 13.5 g/dL
| +1
|-
|< 11 g/dL
| +2
|-
|Sodium
|< 135 mEq/L
| +2
|-
|Creatinine
|> 1.6&nbsp;mg/dL (141 μmol/L)
| +2
|-
|Glucose
|> 180&nbsp;mg/dL (10&nbsp;mmol/L)
| +1
|-
| colspan="3" |*If the lab value does not meet the listed criteria, it is assigned 0 points.
|}
However, this scoring system is yet to be validated.<ref name="CDC2016" /> A LRINEC score ≥6 is only able to detect 70% of NF cases, and a LRINEC score ≥8 has shown even poorer sensitivity.<ref name=":2" />  Moreover, these lab values may be falsely positive if any other inflammatory conditions are present. Therefore, this scoring system should be interpreted with caution.<ref name=Hak2014/>

==Treatment==
Necrotizing fasciitis is treated with surgical [[debridement]] (cutting away affected tissue).<ref name="CDC2016" /> However, antibiotics should be started as soon as this condition is suspected. Appropriate antibiotic coverage may be changed based on tissue cultures. Additional support should be initiated for those with unstable vital signs and low urine output.<ref name=Hak2014/>

===Surgery===
Aggressive wound debridement should be performed as soon as the diagnosis is made. The affected area may need to be debrided several times, usually once every 12–36 hours.<ref name="CDC2016" /> Large sections of tissue and muscle may need to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading. Amputation may be needed if the infection is too severe.<ref name="CDC2016" />

''En bloc'' debridement (EBd) is most commonly employed in treating NSTIs.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last1=Suijker |first1=Jaco |last2=Zheng |first2=Kang Jing |last3=Pijpe |first3=Anouk |last4=Nasroe |first4=Farha |last5=Vries |first5=Annebeth Meij-de |date=2021-08-01 |title=The Skin-Sparing Debridement Technique in Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections: A Systematic Review |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022480421001025 |journal=Journal of Surgical Research |language=English |volume=264 |pages=296–308 |doi=10.1016/j.jss.2021.03.001 |issn=0022-4804 |pmid=33845413|url-access=subscription }}</ref>  This involves cutting away the skin overlying all diseased areas at the cost of increased scar formation and potential decreased quality of life post-operatively.<ref name=":3" />  More recently, skin-sparing debridement (SSd) has gained traction, as it resects the underlying tissue and sources of infection while preserving skin that is not overtly necrotic.<ref name=":3" />  However, more studies are needed to examine whether SSd actually accelerates the healing process after surgery.<ref name=":3" />
[[File:Fournier gangrene VSD.webp|thumb|Fournier gangrene and subsequent VSD]]
After the wound debridement, adequate dressings should be applied to promote wound healing.<ref name="Hak2014" /> Wounds are generally packed with wet-to-dry dressings and left open to heal.<ref name="CDC2016" /> In certain cases, vacuum-sealing drainage (VSD) may help the wound heal, especially in Fournier gangrene.

For necrotizing infection of the perineal area (Fournier's gangrene), wound debridement and wound care in this area can be difficult because of the excretory products that often render this area dirty and affect the wound-healing process. Therefore, regular dressing changes with a fecal management system can help to keep the wound at the perineal area clean. Sometimes, [[colostomy]] may be necessary to divert the excretory products to keep the wound at the perineal area clean.<ref name="Hak2014" />

<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:Open wound after debridement of NF.jpg|Wound after aggressive acute debridement of NF
File:Necrotizing fasciitis left leg debridement.JPEG|Necrotic tissue from the left leg surgically removed
File:Post surgical debridement and skin grafting..jpg|Postsurgical debridement and skin grafting
File:Knee Disarticulation Amputation.jpg|After knee disarticulation amputation
</gallery>

===Antibiotics===
Empiric antibiotics are usually initiated as soon as the diagnosis of NSTI has been made. They are then changed to culture-guided antibiotic therapy. In the case of NSTIs, empiric antibiotics are broad-spectrum, covering gram-positive (including MRSA), gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria.<ref name="Hu2018">{{cite journal|last1=Hua|first1=C|last2=Bosc|first2=R|last3=Sbidian|first3=E|last4=De Prost|first4=N|last5=Hughes|first5=C|last6=Jabre|first6=P|last7=Chosidow|first7=O|last8=Le Cleach|first8=L|date=31 May 2018|title=Interventions for necrotizing soft tissue infections in adults|journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|volume=2018|issue=5|pages=CD011680|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD011680.pub2|pmid=29851032|pmc=6494525}}</ref> Often, a combination of [[clindamycin]], [[daptomycin]], IV [[vancomycin]], and [[gentamicin]] is used.<ref name="Hak2014" /> Gram-negative coverage may entail the use of [[Quinolone antibiotic|fluoroquinolones]], [[piperacillin/tazobactam]], or [[carbapenem]]s.<ref name="CDC2016" />

Despite multiple studies, there is no consensus on how long antibiotics should be given.<ref name=Hu2018/> Generally, antibiotics are administered until surgeons decide that no further debridement is needed, and the patient no longer shows any systemic signs of infection from a clinical and laboratory standpoint.<ref name="CDC2016" /> Evidence regarding the efficacy of treatment and adverse effects is also unclear.

===Add-on therapy===
* '''[[Hyperbaric oxygen]] (HBO)''': In theory, HBO decreases local inflammation in the wound and bolsters the body's immune response. However, the impact of HBO in patients with NSTIs remains unclear.<ref name=Hu2018/>
* '''[[Intravenous immunoglobulin]] (IVIG)''': IVIG is intended to combat the exotoxins released by ''[[Streptococcus pyogenes|S. pyogenes]]'' [[toxic shock syndrome]] (TSS).<ref name=":4">{{Citation |last1=Evans |first1=Heather Leigh |title=Management of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection |date=2020 |work=Evidence-Based Critical Care: A Case Study Approach |pages=697–701 |editor-last=Hyzy |editor-first=Robert C. |url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-26710-0_93 |access-date=2024-12-05 |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-26710-0_93 |isbn=978-3-030-26710-0 |last2=Napolitano |first2=Lena M. |last3=Bulger |first3=Eileen M. |editor2-last=McSparron |editor2-first=Jakob|url-access=subscription }}</ref>  However, studies have failed to find any effect on patient mortality.<ref name=":4" /> There may also be serious adverse effects with IVIG use.<ref name=Hu2018/>
* '''AB103''': Reltecimod aka AB103 is a new drug that binds to the CD28 T-cell receptor and thus mitigates the effects of bacterial toxins. Studies show that it may decrease the severity of organ failure in NF patients.<ref name=":4" /> However, other studies found no difference in mortality with this therapy.<ref name=Hu2018/>
* '''Supportive therapy''': Intravenous hydration, wound care, anticoagulants to prevent thromboembolic events, pain control, vasopressors, etc. should always be provided to patients when appropriate.<ref name=":5" />

==Epidemiology==

=== Prevalence ===
Necrotizing fasciitis occurs in about 4 people per million per year in the U.S., and about 1 per 100,000 in Western Europe.<ref name="Paz2014" />  About 1,000 cases of necrotizing fasciitis occur per year in the United States, but the rates have been increasing. This could be due to increasing awareness of this condition and increased reporting, or increasing antibiotic resistance.<ref name="Hak2014" />  Both sexes are affected equally.<ref name="Hak2014" /> It is more common among older people and is rare in children.<ref name="Paz2014" />

=== Anatomical location ===
Necrotizing fasciitis can occur at any part of the body, but it is more commonly seen at the extremities, [[perineum]], and [[genital]]s. A small fraction of cases arise in the head/neck, chest and abdomen.<ref name="Hak2014" />

==History==
In the fifth century BCE, [[Hippocrates]] was the first to describe necrotizing soft tissue infections.<blockquote>"[[Erysipelas]] all over the body while the cause was only a trivial accident. Bones, flesh, and sinew (cord, tendon, or nerve) would fall off from the body and there were many deaths". </blockquote>Necrotizing soft-tissue infections were first described in English by British surgeon Leonard Gillespie and British physicians Gilbert Blaine and [[Thomas Trotter (physician)|Thomas Trotter]] in the 18th century.  At that time, there was no standardized name for NSTIs.  They were variably described as severe ulcers, gangrene, erysipelas, or cellulitis.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ballesteros JR, Garcia-Tarriño R, Ríos M, Domingo A, Rodríguez-Roiz JM, Llusa-Pérez M, García-Ramiro S, ((Soriano-Viladomiu A.)) | title = Necrotizing soft tissue infections: A review | journal = International Journal of Advanced Joint Reconstruction | year = 2016 | volume = 3 | issue = 1 | pages = 9 | url = https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304704912}}</ref> Later, "hospital gangrene" became more commonly used. In 1871, [[Confederate States Army]] surgeon Joseph Jones reported 2,642 cases of hospital gangrene with a mortality rate of 46%. 

In 1883, Dr [[Jean-Alfred Fournier]] described necrotizing infections of the perineum and [[scrotum]], now named after him as [[Fournier gangrene]]. The term "necrotizing fasciitis" was coined by Dr. Bob Wilson in 1952.<ref name="Paz2014" /><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wilson |first1=B |year=1952 |title=Necrotizing fasciitis |journal=The American Surgeon |volume=18 |issue=4 |pages=416–431 |pmid=14915014}}</ref>  Since then, its definition has broadened to include infections of fascia and soft tissue.<ref name="Hak2014" /> Despite being disfavored by the medical community, the term "galloping gangrene" was frequently used in sensationalistic news media to refer to outbreaks of necrotizing fasciitis.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = ((Loudon I.)) | title = Necrotising fasciitis, hospital gangrene, and phagedena | journal = The Lancet | year = 1994 | volume = 344 | issue = 8934 | pages = 1416–1419 | url = https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673694905746 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(94)90574-6| pmid = 7968080 | s2cid = 38589136 | url-access = subscription }}</ref>

==Society and culture==
=== Notable cases ===
* 1994: [[Lucien Bouchard]], future premier of [[Québec]], Canada, who was infected while leader of the federal official opposition [[Bloc Québécois]] party, lost a leg to the illness.<ref>{{cite journal |first1=Lisa |last1=Seachrist |date=October 7, 1995 |title=The Once and Future Scourge: Could common anti-inflammatory drugs allow bacteria to take a deadly turn? |journal=Science News |volume=148 |issue=15 |pages=234–35 |url=http://www.sciencenews.org/pages/pdfs/data/1995/148-15/14815-14.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202170132/http://www.sciencenews.org/pages/pdfs/data/1995/148-15/14815-14.pdf |archive-date=December 2, 2007 |doi=10.2307/4018245|jstor=4018245 }}</ref>
* 1994: A cluster of cases occurred in Gloucestershire, in the west of England. Of five confirmed and one probable infection, two died. The cases were believed to be connected. The first two had acquired the ''Streptococcus pyogenes'' bacteria during surgery; the remaining four were community-acquired.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cartwright |first1=K. |last2=Logan |first2=M. |last3=McNulty |first3=C. |last4=Harrison |first4=S |last5=George |first5=R. |last6=Efstratiou |first6=A. |last7=McEvoy |first7=M. |last8=Begg |first8=N. |title=A cluster of cases of streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis in Gloucestershire |journal=Epidemiology and Infection |volume=115 |issue=3 |pages=387–397 |year=1995 |pmid=8557070 |pmc=2271581 |doi=10.1017/s0950268800058544}}</ref> The cases generated much newspaper coverage, with lurid headlines such as "Flesh Eating Bug Ate My Face".<ref>{{cite news|last=Dixon|first=Bernard|title=SCIENCE: Vital clues to a mystery killer|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/science-vital-clues-to-a-mystery-killer-1341567.html|access-date=28 May 2013|newspaper=The Independent|date=11 March 1996|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214061218/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/science-vital-clues-to-a-mystery-killer-1341567.html|archive-date=14 December 2013}}</ref>
* 1997: [[Jeff Moorad]], former agent and partial owner of the [[San Diego Padres]] and [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], contracted the disease. He had seven surgeries in a little more than a week and later fully recovered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090903&content_id=6780932&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |first=Barry M. |last=Bloom |date=September 5, 2009 |title=Moorad's life changed by rare disease |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908052545/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090903&content_id=6780932&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=2009-09-08 }}</ref>
* 2004: [[Don Rickles]], American stand-up comedian, actor, and author, known especially for his [[insult comedy]], contracted the disease in his left leg. He had six operations and later recovered. The condition confined him in his later years to performing comedy from a chair.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/don-rickles-was-politically-incorrect-before-it-was-incorrect-and-hes-still-going-at-90/2016/05/24/3b5e0422-1868-11e6-924d-838753295f9a_story.html?noredirect=on |first=Karen |last=Heller |title=Don Rickles was politically incorrect before it was incorrect. And at 90, he's still going |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=2016-05-25 |access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref>
* 2004: [[Eric Allin Cornell]], winner of the 2001 [[Nobel Prize in Physics]], lost his left arm and shoulder to the disease.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/newsfromnist_Cornell_mediaevent.htm |date=April 13, 2005 |orig-date=transcript of event on April 12, 2005 |title=Cornell Discusses His Recovery from Necrotizing Fasciitis with Reporters |publisher=NIST |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825234301/https://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/newsfromnist_Cornell_mediaevent.htm |archive-date=2009-08-25 }}</ref>
* 2005: [[Alexandru Marin (physicist)|Alexandru Marin]], an experimental particle physicist, professor at [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]], [[Boston University]], and [[Harvard University]], and researcher at [[CERN]] and [[Joint Institute for Nuclear Research|JINR]], died from the disease.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://atlas.ch/enews_1205.html |title=In Memoriam&nbsp;– Alexandru A. Marin (1945–2005) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070506222948/http://atlas.ch/enews_1205.html |archive-date=2007-05-06 |website=ATLAS eNews |date=December 2005 |access-date=5 November 2007}}</ref>
* 2006: [[Alan Coren]], British writer and satirist, announced in his Christmas column for ''[[The Times]]'' that his long absence as a columnist had been caused by his contracting the disease while on holiday in France.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/before-i-was-so-rudely-interrupted-3w79xsgvbgc|title=Before I was so rudely interrupted|first=Alan |last=Coren|newspaper=The Times|date=20 December 2006|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629104847/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/article758463.ece<!--archive of old URL-->|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref>
* 2009: [[R. W. Johnson]], British journalist and historian, contracted the disease in March after injuring his foot while swimming. His leg was amputated above the knee.<ref>{{cite web |first=R. W. |last=Johnson |date=6 August 2009 |url=http://www.lrb.co.uk/v31/n15/john01_.html |title=Diary |work=London Review of Books |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803115050/http://www.lrb.co.uk/v31/n15/john01_.html |archive-date=2009-08-03 |page=41}}</ref>
* 2011: [[Jeff Hanneman]], guitarist for the thrash metal band [[Slayer]], contracted the disease. He died of liver failure two years later, on May 2, 2013, and it was speculated that his infection was the cause of death. However, on May 9, 2013, the official cause of death was announced as alcohol-related [[cirrhosis]]. Hanneman and his family had apparently been unaware of the extent of the condition until shortly before his death.<ref name="CauseOfDeath">{{cite web|title=Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman: Official Cause Of Death Revealed |url=http://blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=189736|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=10 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607175209/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=189736|archive-date=7 June 2013|date = 2013-05-09}}</ref>
* 2011: [[Peter Watts (author)|Peter Watts]], Canadian science fiction author, contracted the disease. On his blog, Watts reported, "I'm told I was a few hours away from being dead&nbsp;... If there was ever a disease fit for a science-fiction writer, flesh-eating disease has got to be it. This&nbsp;... spread across my leg as fast as a ''[[Star Trek]]'' space disease in time-lapse."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rifters.com/crawl/?p=1831|title=The Plastinated Man|date=February 15, 2011|website=No Moods, Ads or Cutesy Fucking Icons|access-date=19 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620021826/http://www.rifters.com/crawl/?p=1831|archive-date=20 June 2015}}</ref>
* 2013: British actress [[Georgie Henley]] revealed in 2022 that she had contracted the disease several weeks after starting at Cambridge University and that it had almost claimed her life.
* 2014: [[Daniel Gildenlöw]], Swedish singer and songwriter for the band [[Pain of Salvation]], spent several months in a hospital after being diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis on his back in early 2014. After recovering, he wrote the album ''[[In the Passing Light of Day]]'',<ref>{{cite web|title=Pain of Salvation To Release 'In The Passing Light Of Day' Album In January|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/pain-of-salvation-to-release-in-the-passing-light-of-day-album-in-january|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=18 July 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112183606/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/pain-of-salvation-to-release-in-the-passing-light-of-day-album-in-january|archive-date=2017-01-12|date=2016-11-10}}</ref> a concept album about his experience during the hospitalization.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pain of Salvation Frontman Daniel Gildenlöw On Recovering From Flesh-Eating Infection – 'I'm Lucky Compared To So Many Other People In This World'|url=http://bravewords.com/news/pain-of-salvation-frontman-daniel-gildenlow-on-recovering-from-flesh-eating-infection-im-lucky-compared-to-so-many-other-people-in-this-world|website=Brave Words|access-date=18 July 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111000648/http://bravewords.com/news/pain-of-salvation-frontman-daniel-gildenlow-on-recovering-from-flesh-eating-infection-im-lucky-compared-to-so-many-other-people-in-this-world|archive-date=2017-01-11}}</ref>
* 2014: Ricky Bartlett, CBS Radio Morning Host, had his left leg amputated. He got the disease during a trip to Wyoming and South Dakota, USA. He lost his right leg to bone disease (associated with the flesh eating disease he contacted) in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://canvasrebel.com/meet-ricky-bartlett/|title=Meet Ricky Bartlett|website=Canvas Rebel}}</ref>
* 2015: [[Edgar Savisaar]], Estonian politician, had his right leg amputated. He got the disease during a trip to Thailand.<ref>{{cite news |first=Risto |last=Mets |date=23 March 2015 |url=http://tartu.postimees.ee/3132097/edgar-savisaare-jalg-amputeeriti |title=Edgar Savisaare jalg amputeeriti |language=et |trans-title=Edgar Savisaar's leg amputated |work=Tartu Postimees |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326093016/http://tartu.postimees.ee/3132097/edgar-savisaare-jalg-amputeeriti |archive-date=2016-03-26 |access-date=18 July 2024}}</ref>
* 2018: [[Alex Smith]], an American football quarterback for the [[Washington Commanders|Washington Football Team]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL), contracted the disease after being injured during a game.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Elizabeth |last1=Smith |first2=Stephania |last2=Bell |date=May 1, 2020 |title=Alex Smith's comeback: Inside the fight to save the QB's leg and life|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29112995/alex-smith-comeback-fight-save-qb-leg-life|website=ESPN|access-date=18 July 2024}}</ref> He suffered an [[Open fracture|open compound fracture]] in his lower leg, which became infected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/01/06/alex-smith-injury-timeline |last=Scott |first=Allen |date=January 6, 2021 |title=A timeline of Alex Smith's remarkable comeback – from life-threatening injury to the playoffs|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=18 July 2024}}</ref> Smith narrowly avoided amputation, and eventually returned to playing professional football in October 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/washington/2020/10/11/alex-smith-returns-nfl-washington-football-team-leg-injury/5961599002|first=Michael |last=Middlehurst-Schwartz|date=October 11, 2020|title=Alex Smith plays in first NFL game since gruesome leg injury in November 2018|website=USA Today|access-date=18 July 2024}}</ref> Smith's injury and recovery is the subject of the [[ESPN]] documentary ''E60 Presents: Project 11''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2020/04/e60-documents-nfl-qb-alex-smiths-courageous-recovery-from-gruesome-leg-injury/|first=Andy|last=Hall|title=E60 Documents NFL QB Alex Smith's Courageous Recovery From Gruesome Leg Injury|website=ESPN Press Room|date=28 April 2020|access-date=18 July 2024}}</ref>
* 2021: Irish actor [[Barry Keoghan]] revealed in 2024 that he contracted NF shortly before filming ''[[The Banshees of Inisherin]]'' and nearly had his arm amputated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pappademas |first=Alex |date=2024-01-09 |title=Saltburn's Barry Keoghan on Flirting With Jacob Elordi and Manifesting Stardom |url=https://www.gq.com/story/barry-keoghan-cover-story |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=GQ |language=en-US}}</ref>

==See also==
* ''[[Capnocytophaga canimorsus]]''
* [[Gangrene]]
* [[Mucormycosis]], a rare fungal infection that can resemble necrotizing fasciitis (See type IV NF listing above)
* [[Noma (disease)]]
* [[Toxic shock syndrome]]
* ''[[Vibrio vulnificus]]''

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.mdcalc.com/lrinec-score-for-necrotizing-soft-tissue-infection/ LRINEC Score Online]
* [https://www.necfasc.org/ Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation]
* [https://nfsuk.org.uk/ The Lee Spark Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation]
{{Commons category|Necrotizing fasciitis}}{{Medical resources
| eMedicine_mult  = {{eMedicine2|derm|743}}
|  ICD10 = {{ICD10|M|72|6|m|70}}
|  ICD9 = {{ICD9|728.86}}
|  MedlinePlus = 001443
|  eMedicineSubj = emerg
|  eMedicineTopic = 332
|  MeshID = D019115
|  DiseasesDB = 31119
}}
{{Soft tissue disorders}}
{{Bacterial cutaneous infections}}

[[Category:Gangrene]]
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]]
[[Category:Disorders of fascia]]
[[Category:Causes of amputation]]
[[Category:Inflammations|Fasciitis, necrotizing]]
[[Category:Bacterium-related cutaneous conditions]]
[[Category:Necrosis]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
[[Category:Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate]]
[[Category:Wikipedia emergency medicine articles ready to translate]]