Case report - Thoracic general Necrotizing fasciitis of chest wall complicating empyema thoracis

Necrotizing fasciitis affecting the chest wall is a rare condition and carries high mortality. It spreads rapidly, requiring early diagnosis and immediate extensive surgical debridement. The case of a 32 year old man afflicted with this uncommon condition following tube thoracostomy for empyema thoracis is described and literature reviewed. q 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.