What is Fournier gangrene, and what are its CT and MRI features?
Fournier gangrene is an uncommon rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal and genital regions, which has a potentially high mortality rate and is considered to be a urologic emergency. It occurs most often in immunocompromised men and is secondary to gas-forming infection, most notably by Clostridium species. Treatment is with aggressive fluid resuscitation, broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, and early surgical debridement to prevent septic shock and death. Adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used in some patients as well.
CT and MRI findings include gas, fluid, or thickening of fascial planes in the perineal and genital regions, sometimes with extension to the thighs, pelvis, or abdomen along the fascial planes, subcutaneous fat, muscles, or deeper body wall layers; skin thickening or ulceration; and abscess formation
