An extensive anterior abdominal wall Meleney’s gangrene following bull gore injury

Abstract

Meleney’s gangrene is a rapidly spreading gangrene of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fascia. It has the highest mortality approximately 40% and more in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. The initial presentation mimics cellulitis and most of the cases are misdiagnosed. Delayed diagnosis and treatment increase mortality by approximately 100%. Our case is initially diagnosed as bull gore injury and underwent treatment of the same. Later patient developed extensive Meleney’s gangrene of the entire anterior abdominal wall and genitalia. Even with extensive wound debridement with antibiotic coverage fails to save the patient life. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt surgical debridement in boll gore injury will reduce the chance of developing Meleney’s gangrene.