Cutaneous anthrax complicated by necrotizing fasciitis and compartment syndrome

Authors

  • Marissa Pamela Muñoz-Ayala Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Sociedad Científica de San Fernando. Interna de Medicina de la UNMSM.
  • Leonidas Carrillo Ñáñez Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Perú. Médico Internista. Docente asociado UNMSM.
  • César Chian García Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Perú. Médico Patólogo. Docente Auxiliar Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia.
  • Rossana Leonor Muñoz-Taya Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Interna de Medicina de la UNMSM.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15381/anales.v74i2.2392

Keywords:

Carbuncle, cutaneous anthrax, necrotizing fasciitis, compartment syndrome, Volkmann's ischemic contracture.

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous anthrax is a zoonosis caused by Bacillus anthracis characterized by painless necrotic ulcer that usually heals spontaneously and without complications. The case of a farmer and cattle breeder male patient who presented a bullous serosanguineous ulcer surrounded by necrotic lesions in the ventral right forearm and multiple purulent satellite vesicles associated with extensive edema and disabling pain in the affected limb is reported. On admission, examinations revealed leukocytosis (15 000/mL), total CPK (1 730 U/L) and positive test for Bacillus anthracis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Compartment syndrome was diagnosed and emergency fasciotomy was performed. Surgical report was necrotizing fasciitis by finger test. Mild Volkmann ischemic contracture was found during follow-up. Diagnosis of compartment syndrome should be considered when disabling pain is present to decide prompt surgical intervention in order to avoid losing the limb involved.

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Published

2013-06-10

Issue

Vol. 74 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Casos clínicos

License

Copyright (c) 2013 Marissa Pamela Muñoz-Ayala, Leonidas Carrillo Ñáñez, César Chian García, Rossana Leonor Muñoz-Taya

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How to Cite

1.
Muñoz-Ayala MP, Carrillo Ñáñez L, Chian García C, Muñoz-Taya RL. Cutaneous anthrax complicated by necrotizing fasciitis and compartment syndrome. An Fac med [Internet]. 2013 Jun. 10 [cited 2024 Jul. 17];74(2):145-8. Available from: https://revistasinvestigacion.unmsm.edu.pe/index.php/anales/article/view/2392