A case report of a sub-clinical necrotising lower limb infection secondary to pelvic anastomotic leak and chronic corticosteroid use

Abstract

Anabolic steroids have attracted attention from the media with regard to misuse, but overuse of medically prescribed steroids also has a propensity to cause harm. Gluteal necrotising soft tissue infections are an uncommon presentation for plastic surgeons, and therefore, abdominal sources may be overlooked. We report a rare case of a 57-year-old male who presented with a necrotising lower limb infection on a background of long-term corticosteroid overuse and recurrent pelvic anastomotic leaks. Keywords: Corticosteroids, Bowel perforation, Sciatic notch, Diverticulitis, Leg abscess