[Necrotizing cellulitis and fasciitis of infectious origin. Review of 10 personal cases and the literature].

Ten personal cases of necrotizing cellulitis and fasciitis are reported. The lower limbs were the most common site of infection. Two patients had involvement of the whole of the leg and died of septic shock. Two other patients died of pulmonary embolism. Bacteriological investigations showed multiple infection to be the rule; gangrene due to streptococcal infection alone was only observed in 3 cases, staphylococcus alone in 1 case and serratia alone in 1 case. Surgery was performed within 48 hours of admission under antibiotic cover in all but two cases. The authors emphasize the need for adequate anticoagulation to prevent multiple venous thrombosis in the infected subcutaneous tissues and to avoid the risk of fatal pulmonary embolism.