[3] Lack of access to sanitation, medical care, and psychosocial resources has been linked to increased mortality. Up to 70 percent of people who develop the condition have diabetes and up to 50 percent have chronic alcoholism. Its vital to get antibiotics and surgery. Abstract Introduction and hypothesis: Fournier's gangrene is a rare, necrotising fasciitis of the external genitalia, perineal or perianal regions. Is Fourniers gangrene contagious? Fournier gangrene (FG) is an infectious condition with fulminant evolution and is sometimes life-threatening. Fourniers gangrene and its emergency management [Abstract]. DOI: Kim SY, et al. While the occurrence of Fourniers gangrene in an otherwise healthy young adult is unanticipated in modern times, frequent masturbation as the underlying cause of this condition is even more unexpected. Reported mortality rates range from 3% to 45%, affected by factors such as underlying comorbidities, the source of infection, and the presence of severe illness or sepsis upon initial evaluation and treatment [15]. How long the tissues have been infected or dead. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was added to his treatment regimen and blood cultures identified strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Penoscrotal reconstruction using groin and bilateral superomedial thigh flaps: a case of penile vaselinoma causing Fournier's gangrene. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. [4], A 2006 Turkish study reported that blood sugar levels were elevated in 46 percent of patients diagnosed with Fourniers. Crepitations between the skin and fascia were palpable . METHODS/RESULTS: A young, male alcoholic developed Fournier's gangrene after an episode . 10941098, 1999. Decreased quality of life, which can contribute to clinical. Sources of the infection can include: While not actually considered causes of Fourniers gangrene, there are other conditions and medications that experts believe may make you more likely to get this disease, including: Doctors can find the cause of Fourniers gangrene in about 90% of the cases. [2] It begins as a subcutaneous infection. According to the PMI, sarcopenia was detected in 67 (36.2%) patients and 70 (37.8%), according to the HUAC. Treatments include: You may also need reconstructive surgery after your infection is under control. Isolated involvement of the penis is rare. Very few people with diabetes should get this bacterial infection. Complications from excessive masturbation are exceedingly rare, but as this case illustrates, they can be life threatening. reported a case of Fournier's gangrene ina31-year-oldmale-patientaftervasectomyper-formed Men are 10 times more. Learn more here. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. They include: Dont hesitate to see a healthcare provider at the emergency department if your genitals or perineum are red, tender or swollen, and you have a fever or just generally feel unwell. Images It is more likely to occur in diabetics, alcoholics, or those who are immunocompromised. They travel to the muscles and skin of your perineum, scrotum and penis and start destroying the arteries there, too. View pictures of Fournier gangrene in the gallery below. Fournier's gangrene is a rapidly progressing, tissue-destroying infection on the genitals and nearby areas. Its an infection that worsens quickly and requires emergency care. Huang, C.-S. (2017, March 23). An extensive review of the current medical literature rarely reveals past reports of Fourniers gangrene or necrotizing fasciitis of the penis or scrotum directly resulting from masturbation. This infection is fatal in a third or more of people who contract it. His physical exam was remarkable for significant erythema, edema, and calor of the penis and scrotum extending to the region of the pubis symphysis but sparing the glans (Figure 1). Males are 10 times more likely to get Fourniers gangrene than females. Seriously, one of the worst things you could do to yourself is look up pictures of Fournier's Gangrene. Fournier's gangrene (FG) is uncommon, necrotizing fasciitis that involves the genital, perineal, and perianal regions, commonly affect men but can occur in women [ 1, 2 ]. Sort by: Most popular Bacteria [green] Royalty free 3d rendering. Necrotizing fasciitis destroys your soft tissues, including your: Arteries (blood vessels). Subcutaneous air is often one of the specific clinical signs, but is not seen in >50% of presenting clinical cases. Its usually caused by organisms that are in the gastrointestinal tract. S. R. Mindrup, G. P. Kealey, and B. Fallon, Hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of Fournier's gangrene, Journal of Urology, vol. 37933797, 2010. Your skin might look reddish-purple, then turn to blue-gray and, finally, black when the tissues are dead. Go to the emergency department if youre experiencing the symptoms of Fourniers gangrene. The bacteria damage blood vessels and produce toxins and enzymes that destroy tissue. It's a medical emergency that can be fatal without immediate treatment. At the end of one postoperative year, the mortality rate was higher in . Past published complications include direct bacterial inoculation or fat embolism after penile injection, and urethral tears and lodged foreign bodies in the bladder after urethral self-instrumentation for erotic stimulation [1012]. The bacterium that most commonly causes gas gangrene is called Clostridium perfringens. Consultation for early surgical debridement and initiation of broad-spectrum IV antibiotics to cover Gram-positive, Gam-negative, and anaerobic bacteria is critical, and the addition of other adjunctive therapies such as IVIG and hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered [15, 79]. Seeking help without hesitation, as early as possible, can help keep the infection from spreading. If you have Fournier's gangrene, the skin of your perineum, penis or scrotum will change color. Fournier gangrene is a life-threatening urosurgical emergency characterized by a polymicrobial infection of the perineal, genital, or perianal region that may rapidly progress to sepsis, septic shock, fulminant multi-organ dysfunction, and death. To lower your risk of infection, wash open wounds with soap and water and keep them dry and clean until they heal. Urethral obstruction is a blockage somewhere in your urinary tract. The nidus of infection is typically urogenital or anorectal, but cutaneous sources of infection have been reported, with poor personal hygiene acting as an apparent contributing element of infection occurrence [15]. T. A. Voegeli and P. J. Effert, Pentaethylene-terephthalate (PET) bottles: a new device for autoerotic strangulation of the penis causing serious injury, Archives of Sexual Behavior, vol. Whilst rare, it is a urological emergency with a mortality rate of 20-40%*. However, around a third of the EU cases reviewed were reported in women. It may be that the high male to female ratio in the diagnosis is the result of the lack of recognition of this entity among women by physicians. This truly emergent condition is typically seen in elderly, diabetic, or otherwise immune-compromised individuals. Fournier gangrene after debridement of necrotic tissue 7, no. It commonly occurs in older men, but it Fournier's gangrene is a life-threatening disease, but there are ways you can reduce your risk. 40 Citations. The first symptom youll likely notice is sudden pain. Since Fournier's gangrene is extremely aggressive, diagnosis should made through clinical examination rather than waiting for diagnostic tests and procedures, which can lead to delayed treatment. This involves exposing the body to 100 percent oxygen, in comparison to normal air that has about 21 percent oxygen. Sterile technique needs to be followed when dealing with a person who has these wounds. ", National Organization for Rare Diseases: "Fournier Gangrene. An infected Bartholin's gland, the two oval glands positioned on each side of the vaginal opening that secrete the fluid that lubricates the vagina. Fournier's gangrene affects the soft tissues of your scrotum, penis and perineum. [6], Fournier gangrene is a rare side effect of SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin),[7] which increase the excretion of glucose in the urine. Symptoms of Fournier's gangrene include fever, general discomfort, genital pain and . Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure you're getting the right. This is a rare type of gangrene. However, necrotic patches soon appear in the overlying skin, which later develop into necrosis. An otherwise healthy 29-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) after being evaluated at an outside urgent care clinic for two days of fever, vomiting, and diffuse myalgias. 212217, 2001. 3 I, pp. Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an acute, rapidly progressive and potentially fatal, . 19, no. Fournier's gangrene. Fournier's gangrene and its emergency management. P. Thomas, A. Boussuges, M. Gainnier et al., Fat embolism after intrapenile injection of sweet almond oil, Revue des Maladies Respiratoires, vol. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Nearly 130 years later, complications from excessive masturbation have proven to be exceedingly rare, but, as this case illustrates, they can be life threatening. For example, a doctor may ask for an ultrasound to determine if the condition is the result of inflammation or Fourniers gangrene. Youll likely need reconstructive plastic surgery and skin grafts to cover the areas where dead tissue was removed. Fournier's gangrene after genital piercing [Abstract]. Finally, you might go through hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Fournier's gangrene is a sometimes life-threatening form of necrotizing fasciitis that affects the genital, perineal, or perianal regions of the body. Fourniers gangrene usually happens because of an infection in, or near, your genitals. There are arteries (blood vessels) within your subcutaneous tissue and muscle fascia. 5, pp. (2006). Men are 10 times more likely than women to develop Fournier's gangrene. Fourniers gangrene is rare. Metrics. M. Capelli-Schellpfeffer and G. S. Gerber, The use of hyperbaric oxygen in urology, Journal of Urology, vol. Fournier gangrene is a rapidly progressing necrotizing fasciitis involving the perineal, perianal, or genital regions and constitutes a true surgical emergency with a potentially high mortality rate. Sometimes, a person will have to go back to the operating room multiple times for surgical debridements. There are also treatments. According to one estimate, about 1 in 7,500 people develop this condition, the majority of them men. 19751977, 2005. Also, look back at the "Prevention" section of this article for ways to reduce your risk of Fournier's gangrene. The dead or dying tissue in people with this type of gangrene is often found in the genitals and can stretch to the thighs, stomach, and chest. People with Fourniers gangrene can have various symptoms, including: You should see a doctor immediately. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 46, no. 1,2 The appearance of this disease process was first described . The disease is most often found in men between the ages of 50 and 60. Other predisposing factors include 9: obesity ( BMI >30) end-stage renal and/or liver failure hypertension immunosuppression alcoholism smoking debility HIV diabetes Clinical presentation perineal/scrotal pain, swelling, redness The incidence of the disease is higher in males with Sorensen et al., reporting an overall incidence rate of 1.6 cases per 100,000 males/year [ 3 ]. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. [11] Of 1,680 cases identified in the study, 39 were women. The presence of Fourniers gangrene can set off a cascade of symptoms that can ultimately be deadly. FG is a severe polymicrobial, infective necrotising fasciitis predominantly affecting the male perineal, perianal, genital and anterior abdominal wall regions. They include: Accurately diagnosing Fourniers gangrene usually requires a tissue sample. However, purple skin can also indicate a problem with blood flow to the feet, which can. Fourniers gangrene is an emergency. potato gangrene. Next, youll have reconstructive surgery. [11], A 2009 epidemiological study found the incidence of Fournier gangrene to be 1.6 cases per 100,000 males, in the United States. 9, pp. This. All rights reserved. There are ways you can reduce your risk of getting this life-threatening disease, and there are treatments. Here, we report an unusual case of Fourniers gangrene due to excessive masturbation in an otherwise healthy 29-year-old male. About one per 62,500 males are affected per year. While its more common in men, women and children also can get it. Although the condition can affect women and children, it is extremely rare. 1. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Here, we report an unusual case of Fournier's gangrene due to excessive masturbation in an otherwise healthy 29-year-old male who presented to the emergency department complaining of two days of fever, vomiting, and diffuse myalgias. Surgery is sometimes the only other option. [2], Initial symptoms of Fournier gangrene include swelling or sudden pain in the scrotum, fever, pallor, and generalized weakness. About 1.6 out of 100,000 males will get Fourniers gangrene. Immediate surgery might be necessary if the Fournier's gangrene has progressed to a dangerous point. Simple reconstructive procedures following wound debridement yield satisfactory outcomes in majority of the cases..mw-parser-output .ambox{border:1px solid #a2a9b1;border-left:10px solid #36c;background-color:#fbfbfb;box-sizing:border-box}.mw-parser-output .ambox+link+.ambox,.mw-parser-output .ambox+link+style+.ambox,.mw-parser-output .ambox+link+link+.ambox,.mw-parser-output .ambox+.mw-empty-elt+link+.ambox,.mw-parser-output .ambox+.mw-empty-elt+link+style+.ambox,.mw-parser-output .ambox+.mw-empty-elt+link+link+.ambox{margin-top:-1px}html body.mediawiki .mw-parser-output .ambox.mbox-small-left{margin:4px 1em 4px 0;overflow:hidden;width:238px;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:88%;line-height:1.25em}.mw-parser-output .ambox-speedy{border-left:10px solid #b32424;background-color:#fee7e6}.mw-parser-output .ambox-delete{border-left:10px solid #b32424}.mw-parser-output .ambox-content{border-left:10px solid #f28500}.mw-parser-output .ambox-style{border-left:10px solid #fc3}.mw-parser-output .ambox-move{border-left:10px solid #9932cc}.mw-parser-output .ambox-protection{border-left:10px solid #a2a9b1}.mw-parser-output .ambox .mbox-text{border:none;padding:0.25em 0.5em;width:100%}.mw-parser-output .ambox .mbox-image{border:none;padding:2px 0 2px 0.5em;text-align:center}.mw-parser-output .ambox .mbox-imageright{border:none;padding:2px 0.5em 2px 0;text-align:center}.mw-parser-output .ambox .mbox-empty-cell{border:none;padding:0;width:1px}.mw-parser-output .ambox .mbox-image-div{width:52px}html.client-js body.skin-minerva .mw-parser-output .mbox-text-span{margin-left:23px!important}@media(min-width:720px){.mw-parser-output .ambox{margin:0 10%}}, While recent case series (n=980) studies have found a mortality rate of 2040%, a large (n=1641) 2009 study reported a mortality rate of 7.5%. Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious condition that kills soft tissues, often quickly, including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Emergency Medicine Residents Association. Fournier's gangrene is an acute, rapidly progressive, and potentially fatal, infective necrotizing fasciitis affecting the external genitalia, perineal or perianal regions. Youll likely need multiple surgeries to remove all of the dead tissue and stop the infection. An estimated 25 to 50 percent have an alcohol use disorder. Fournier's gangrene, also known as necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genitalia, is a flesh eating infection that typically affects men's scrotum, penis and perineum. The perineum is the area between the scrotum and anus for a man; or the area between the anus and vulva for a woman. DOI: rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/fournier-gangrene/, Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms to Look For, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Ruptured Spleen: Symptoms and Treatment in Adults and Children, long-term treatment with corticosteroid drugs. [1] It was first described by Baurienne in 1764 and is named after a French venereologist, Jean Alfred Fournier, following five cases he presented in clinical lectures in 1883. Ideally, your healthcare provider can remove enough tissue to keep the bacterial infection from spreading. The faster you get care, the better. fournier gangrene. Fournier's gangrene: epidemiology and outcomes in the general U.S. population. In some individuals, the cause of Fourniers gangrene is unknown. (2009, July 8). Your arteries transport nutrients and oxygen from your heart to your body's tissues. Reconstructive surgery helps your perineum, scrotum or penis look like it did before the Fourniers gangrene. V. B. Mouraviev, S. E. Pautler, and W. P. Hayman, Fournier's gangrene following penile self-injection with cocaine, Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology, vol. 6, pp. is unclear. A blunt trauma injury can cause your spleen to rupture. 12131224, 2002. DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. The majority of FG is caused by polymicrobial organisms involving mixed aerobes and anaerobes but rarely reveals Actinomyces species. This infection moves forward very quickly, and you can get worse very suddenly. Sorensen, M. D., & Krieger, J. N. (2016). DOI: 10.5402/2012/942437. It is believed that the male to female proportion may be anywhere from 5:1 to 10:1. . (2015). Fournier gangrene is a polymicrobial, rapidly progressive necrotising fasciitis of the external genitalia, perineum, and perianal region. Copyright 2012 Jason D. Heiner et al. Thwaini, A., Khan, A., Malik, A., Cherian, J., Barua, J., Shergill, I., Mammen, K. (2006, August). . Its important to get treated right away to prevent serious outcomes. Bacteria may invade these dead tissues, causing, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Necrotizing fasciitis destroys your soft tissues, including your: Fourniers gangrene affects the soft tissues of your scrotum, penis and perineum. This sound is due to the friction of gas and tissues moving against each other. These comorbid conditions include: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare but serious disease characterized by progressive necrosis in the genitourinary and perineal region. Fournier's gangrene: Current practices. 1, pp. Four resources were identified: TransBucket, TransAtlas, TransHealthCare, and Erin's Informed Consent hormone replacement therapy map of the US. The synergistic action of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria can be considered as responsible of thrombosis and tissue necrosis 10,11. 30, no. When many people hear the term gangrene, they may think of toes or fingers being affected by loss of blood flow, infection, orhypothermia, which means the persons body temperature has dropped, and remained, below 95 degrees. 4, pp. The infection spreads along the connecting tissue between your skin and underlying muscles. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Symptoms can include: These symptoms will continue to worsen. Several factors affect the riskiness of your Fournier's gangrene, including: Ask your healthcare providers for a detailed prognosis. 15, no. It most commonly affects men, particularly in the scrotum or penis. The male to female ratio is 10:1. This truly emergent condition is typically seen in elderly, diabetic, or otherwise immune-compromised individuals. If theres time, theyll likely order some imaging tests, including: Often, there is no time for tests. This is a type of infected wet gangrene, and it is particularly harmful. Its so dangerous that just a few hours can mean the difference between life and death. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Contemporary trends in the inpatient management of Fourniers gangrene: Predictors of length of stay and mortality based on population-based sample [Abstract]. (2004). The most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus, which was seen in 18 (41.9%) patients. As gangrene sets in, the decomposing tissue starts giving off a strong, rotten smell. Fournier gangrene is a form of the necrotizing bacterial infection that affects soft tissue in the genitals. Fournier gangrene, a relatively rare form of necrotizing fasciitis, is a rapidly progressive disease that affects the deep and superficial tissues of the perineal, anal, scrotal, and genital regions. gangrene foot. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00365540410017086, https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/fournier-gangrene/, http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm1609306#t=article, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3518952/, https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/445695, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585703/, Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. Last medically reviewed on January 21, 2018, Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease, is a rare but serious bacterial infection. Fourniers gangrene is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection of your scrotum, penis or perineum (the area between your genitals and rectum). Rarely, the entire penis and scrotum get surgically removed. Here, we present the case of an immunocompromised 59-year-old male with surgical history of a pancreatic pseudocyst stented endoscopically. It is defined as a necrotizing infection of the perineal, genital, or anorectal region. Mallikarjuna, M. N., Vijayakumar, A., Patil, V. S., & Shivswamy, B. S. (2012, December 3). Examples include: The following conditions are associated with the late stages of Fourniers gangrene: Sudden pain in the genitals and perineum is usually the first symptom of Fourniers gangrene. Often the testicles, urethra (tube that allows urine to exit the body), and the chamber inside the penis that fills with blood to produce an erection are not usually affected. Some studies concluded that 3% of people who get this type of necrotizing fasciitis will likely die. Its very important to get checked out right away if you have symptoms. Appearance of the patients perineum upon emergency department presentation. He denied any recent travel, notable lapses in personal hygiene, or any other preceding genitourinary injury or symptoms. The overall frequency reported is 1:7500, most cases occur between 30-60 years of age and male-to female ration in large series is about 10:1.It is interesting that ICD . Fournier gangrene is a type of necrotizing fasciitis or gangrene affecting the external genitalia or perineum. [11], Last edited on 16 February 2023, at 17:39, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Fournier's gangrene and its emergency management", "Non-Traumatic Urologic Emergencies in Men: A Clinical Review", "FDA warns about rare occurrences of a serious infection of the genital area with SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes", "Relationship between diversional stoma and mortality rate in Fournier's gangrene: a systematic review and meta-analysis", "Management of Fournier's gangrene and the role of hyperbaric oxygen", "Fournier's gangrene: Population based epidemiology and outcomes", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fournier_gangrene&oldid=1139740508, This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 17:39. Judith C. Hagedorn &. Fournier's gangrene is a type of necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease). . The clinical course usually progresses through the following phases: Prodromal symptoms of fever and lethargy,. The longer you wait, the more tissues get infected. You could be in the hospital for three to six weeks. Although the diagnosis of Fournier gangrene is often made clinically, emergency computed tomography (CT) can lead to early diagnosis with accurate assessment of disease extent. Sometimes it's necessary to skip the diagnosis process and go straight to debridement (the removal of damaged tissues from your body). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [9] In addition to surgery and antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be useful and acts to inhibit the growth of and kill the anaerobic bacteria. Fourniers gangrene is even rarer in children. And hypothermia or circulation problems don't cause it. Imaging studies may be ordered to rule out other potential causes. FG was first described in 1883 by JA Fournier, a French venereologist who described 5cases of penis and scrotum gangrene without an obvious cause. Know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them. The effect of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and prognosis in patients treated for Fournier's gangrene (FG) is controversial. It contains connective tissues and fat cells. I. Singh, M. K. Joshi, and M. S. Jaura, Strangulation of penis by a ball bearing device, Journal of Sexual Medicine, vol. Fournier gangrene after debridement of necrotic tissue In severe cases, the bacterial infection stretches to the thighs, stomach and chest, destroying those areas' muscles, nerves and arteries. M. J. Cawley, M. Briggs, L. R. Haith Jr. et al., Intravenous immunoglobulin as adjunctive treatment for streptococcal toxic shock syndrome associated with necrotizing fasciitis: case report and review, Pharmacotherapy, vol. 2007;48:723-6. This article covers its symptoms, causes, and, A gastrointestinal fistula occurs when part of the digestive tract connects abnormally to the skin or another organ in the body. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Meleney's gangrene. A retrospective, comparative study, Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, vol. Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an aggressive, rapidly progressing, necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal and genital region. Those questions might include: Have you had any recent trauma to the area? Fourniers gangrene is a type of necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) that affects your scrotum, penis or perineum. If a person comes into contact with the secretions from the wound, and these secretions then come into contact with an open wound, they could become infected. 537539, 1985. Fourniers gangrene gets worse (progresses) quickly. Fournier gangrene severity index (FGSI) scores > 9 predicts severity and mortality ( J Urol 1995;154:89, J Postgrad Med 2008;54:102 ) FGSI: nine variables are assigned scores of 0 - 4, which are added together. We avoid using tertiary references. If you take diabetes medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, you have a higher chance of getting Fourniers gangrene. Fournier Gangrene Pictures, Images and Stock Photos View fournier gangrene videos Browse 141 fournier gangrene stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Risk factors include diabetes, alcohol abuse and immunosuppression. It usually affects men, but women also can get it. Go to the emergency department if your genitals or perineum are red, tender or swollen, and you have either a fever of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or you feel unwell in general. Fourniers gangrene is an emergency. But with Fourniers gangrene, your genitals and the area around them are affected. What is a gastrointestinal fistula and what causes one? The disease initially described by Alfred Fournier in 1883 was a polymicrobial life threatening infection of unknown origin occurring in otherwise healthy young men ( 1 ). [1] Often, a variety of organisms will grow and infect the tissue. 162, no. His initial ED labs were remarkable for a white blood cell count of 12,000/mm3 and a lactate of 2.2mEq/L. Yonsei Med J. It occurs when bacteria are in the bloodstream. 984988, 1988. Gangrene is where your tissues die because of a lack of blood flow or a bacterial infection. Fourniers gangrene is a rapidly progressing, tissue-destroying infection on the genitals and nearby areas. Fournier's gangrene occurs worldwide. The infection commonly starts in the area between your genitals and rectum, known as the perineum, and spreads outward underneath your skin.