A unique autopsy case of spontaneous necrotizing soft tissue infection of the chest-wall in a healthy adult without major risk factors

Abstract

NSTI (Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection) is an infection of any layer within the soft tissue compartment that is rapidly progressive and often fatal. The authors describe a case of a 67-year-old man who developed a spontaneous NSTI and died of septic shock approximately 36 h after he was first admitted to the emergency room. The infection started from the chest as a result of a minimum muscle strain, in the absence of any cutaneous lesions or important risk factors such as immunosuppression. The infection was caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.The described case has many peculiarities that make it almost unique.

Keywords

• NSTI
• Necrotizing soft tissue infection
• Spontaneous infection
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Autopsy
• Chest