ABSTRACT
Introduction: Necrotising fasciitis is a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, and multi-focal necrotising fasciitis is uncommon. We present 2 cases of concurrent necrotising fasciitis of contralateral upper and lower limbs.
Clinical Picture: Both presented with pain, swelling, bruising or necrosis of the affected extremities. Traditional medical therapy was sought prior to their presentation. Treatment: After initial debridement, one patient subsequently underwent amputation of the contralateral forearm and leg. The other underwent a forearm amputation, but refused a below-knee amputation. Outcome: The first patient survived, while the second died. Conclusion: Traditional medical therapy can cause bacterial inoculation, leading to necrotising fasciitis, and also leads to delay in appropriate treatment. Radical surgery is needed to optimise patient survival.The first case was a 54-year-old lady, with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia, who presented with bilateral hand pain and stiffness of 4 days’ duration.
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