Rinsho Shinkeigaku (Clinical Neurology)

Case Report

A case of fasciitis localized in the calf muscles associated with Edwardsiella tarda sepsis

Kenju Hara, M.D.1), Haruka Ouchi, M.D.1), Makiko Kitahara, M.D.1), Ken Shibano, M.D.1), Takaharu Miyauchi, M.D.2) and Hideaki Ishiguro, M.D.1)

1)Department of Neurology, Akita Red Cross Hospital
2)Department of Radiology, Akita Red Cross Hospital

A 49-year-old man presented with fever and pain, redness, swelling, and difficulty in walking. The serum Creactive protein (CRP), creatin kinase (CK), and endotoxin levels were elevated. A blood culture revealed Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda). Computed tomography (CT) showed subfascial and subcutaneous low-density areas in the lower legs, suggesting focal abscesses and edema. The patient was likely to have necrotizing fasciitis or cellulitis. He was successfully treated with several antibiotics and discharged after 43 days. Because E. tarda causes sepsis and fulminating necrotizing fasciitis with a high mortality rate in patients with an underlying illness, it should be considered a potentially important pathogen. The lack of an underlying illness may be a factor for a good outcome in this case.
Full Text of this Article in Japanese PDF (452K)

(CLINICA NEUROL, 51: 694|698, 2011)
key words: Edwardsiella tarda, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, calf muscles

(Received: 15-Mar-11)