Fournier's gangrene: a fulminant subcutaneous infection.

A 73-year-old man with a history of diabetes was urgently referred to our emergency department because of severe pain of his genitalia and pubical region. Physical examination revealed an extensive subcutaneous emphysema and edema of his abdomen. Computer tomography confirmed an extensive necrotizing fasciitis, diagnosed as Fournier's gangrene. Despite the efforts made, the patient did not survive. And a review of the medical approach of this short of a life-threatening form of necrotizing soft tissue infection with a high mortality rate.