Soft Tissue Case 1 Diagnosis

Laboratory findings may include:  

• Leukocytosis
• Elevated inflammatory markers
• Hyponatremia 
• Elevated CK

X-rays such as this example may demonstrate diagnostic subcutaneous air along the fascial plain but the sensitivity is only about 40%. High clinical suspicion should prompt a CT scan which has a 89% sensitivity for a necrotizing infection. ³