Journal List > J Korean Soc Transplant > v.23(2) > 1034289

Kim, Han, and Choi: Necrotizing Fasciitis following Liver Transplantation

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly spreading subcutaneous infection. It can occur in patients after solid organ transplantation. But, the reports for necrotizing fasciitis after liver transplantation are very unusual. We report 2 patients with necrotizing fasciitis caused by bacterial and Aspergillus species infection. Their pre-transplantation condition was very poor due to hepatic encephalopathy, pressure sore, and admission for several months. Patients had a fulminant course for early potent immunosuppression period, despite of aggressive surgical debridement, withdrawal of immunosuppression, and adequate anti-bacterial and antifungal therapy. Therefore, necrotizing fasciitis has to be recognized as a potential complication after liver transplantation and Aspergillus species has to be added to the list of potential pathogens of surgical wound infections, espe-cially in the setting of liver transplantation.

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Fig. 1.
A lot fungal hyphae in necrotic tissue (Hematoxylin and eosin, original magnification ×100) - Aspergillus species was confirmed by culture.
jkstn-23-169f1.tif
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