Monomicrobial necrotizing soft tissue infection of upper extremity caused by Eggerthia catenaformis.

Abstract

Necrotizing soft tissue infections are characterized by fulminant tissue destruction that are rapidly progressive in nature, occurring as a result of trauma, minor skin lesions, nonpenetrating injuries, as well as in post-surgical and immunocompromised patients. Eggerthia catenaformis has mostly been reported linked to dental abscesses but this report presents a case of a poor controlled diabetic with E. catenaformis induced necrotizing infection. Forty nine-year-old male presented to the emergency department with left arm pain and swelling, associated with foul smelling drainage. Physical examination exhibited left upper extremity tenderness, erythema, fluctuance, and crepitus. Patient was taken to the operating room for forearm fasciotomy, amputation of third digit, and washout. Cultures were positive for E. catenaformis. The pathogenicity and severity of E. catenaformis is mostly unknown. Clinicians should be aware of this rare entity for its complexity and management worldwide.