Fournier's gangrene in a 44-year-old woman: CT scan findings.

OBJECTIVES

To show standard CT findings and their diagnostic usefulness in female patients suffering from Fournier's gangrene.

METHOD/RESULT: A woman who had undergone a previous lateral internal sphincterotomy presented to the emergency department with severe pain in the hypogastrium and perianal region; physical examination revealed an induration in the left buttock. CT images showed an abscessed collection in the rectovaginal space and gas in the levator ani muscle, left ischiorectal fossa and the root of the left thigh.

CONCLUSIONS

CT scan is considered an excellent diagnostic tool in the management of patients with Fournier's gangrene, as it shows both the origin of the infection and its extent.