Fournier gangrene: pictorial review

Abstract

© 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. Fournier gangrene is an emergency condition that is associated with a high mortality rate. It is defined as a rapidly progressing infective necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, perianal, and genital regions. Early diagnosis, broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage, and adequate surgical debridement are crucial and lead to better prognosis and patient survival. There is increasing utilization of computed tomography (CT) in the initial evaluation of Fournier gangrene. CT can confirm the diagnosis in equivocal cases, determine the source of infection, and evaluate the disease extent. In this pictorial review, we discuss the pathogenesis of Fournier gangrene and display the imaging spectrum with an emphasis on CT findings, including asymmetrical fascial thickening, soft tissue stranding, soft tissue gas, collection, and abscess formation. The infection originating from colorectal pathology, the affected anatomy, and the involvement of the abdominal wall are important predictors of mortality. The familiarity of the varied imaging appearance of Fournier gangrene is necessary to provide an accurate diagnosis, and evaluation of disease extent is crucial for optimal surgical debridement.