SARS-COV-2 Positive Patient with Fournier’s Gangrene and Multiorgan Complications

Abstract

Fournier gangrene is a rare type of necrotizing fasciitis of the genital or anorectal region that rapidly progresses towards diffuse tissue necrosis and mortality if untreated. As seen in this case, the disease is difficult to diagnose in its early stages due to a lack of pathognomonic signs that differentiate it from a localized scrotal abscess, cellulitis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and orchitis. These initial findings of Fournier’s gangrene make rapid diagnosis difficult, thus we recommend a low threshold for further workup based on exam findings and clinical suspicion. Emergent imaging modalities and cultures can aid in the diagnosis but should not delay surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics -the gold standard of treatment for Fournier’s gangrene. This case also presents possible correlations between SARS-CoV-2 and Fournier’s gangrene, but further research must be conducted to delineate clinical course management in patients with SARS-CoV-2 and Fournier’s gangrene.