Fournier's gangrene associated with sparganosis in the scrotum

Fournier's gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis of the scrotum or perineum that may extend by way of the fascial planes to the penis and the anterior abdominal wall up to the clavicles, buttocks, or lower extremities. It is a life-threatening progressive disease that requires aggressive antibiotic therapy and early radical debridement. Sparganosis is a parasitic infection that occurs principally in cats and dogs, but human infestations have been reported, albeit rarely. Recently, we experienced a case of Fournier's gangrene associated with sparganosis in the scrotum, which was treated with antibiotics and extensive debridement including removal of a white, flat, shiny sparganum worm. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc.