Hydrotherapy to Hospice: The Hidden Perils of Necrotizing Fasciitis Mimicry in Elderly Patients
2024

Hydrotherapy to Hospice: The Hidden Perils of Necrotizing Fasciitis Mimicry in Elderly Patients

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Elramlawy Moustafa, Abdellatif Ahmed H, Abdelmasih Hany, Hussien Karim

Primary Institution: Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, GBR

Conclusion

The case highlights the diagnostic challenges in elderly patients presenting with complex symptoms that may mimic necrotizing fasciitis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient presented with reduced consciousness and hypotension during hydrotherapy.
  • Imaging revealed surgical emphysema in the right thigh and pelvis without trauma.
  • Blood work showed acute kidney injury and elevated inflammatory markers.
  • Despite treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated, leading to palliative care.

Takeaway

This study is about an elderly woman who got very sick after hydrotherapy, and doctors had a hard time figuring out what was wrong with her.

Methodology

Case report detailing the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management of a 77-year-old female patient.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

77-year-old female with dementia and hypertension.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.74221

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