Phlegmone

Last Updated: 2023-07-07

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: -

Bacterial, purulent inflammation of the tissue crevices, usually caused by staphylococci and streptococci.

Staphylococcus aureus and group A streptococci (rarely also mixed flora or gram-negative germs) can form unfocused abscesses and enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system via the subcutaneous tissue. This is often caused by panaritis, minor injuries, infected wounds, thrombophlebitis or erysipelas

  • Warm, pasty, painful, sometimes purulent, reddened oedema, rarely with subcutaneous abscesses. In addition, lymphangitis and lymphadenitis may occur
  • A severe feeling of illness and high fever
  • is typical

  • The diagnosis is made clinically
  • Bacterial smear after stab incision if atypical pathogens are suspected
  • BB (leucocytosis), CRP, ESR, liver and kidney values (before planned antibiotic therapy)
  • Regular control of temperature, blood sugar determination

  • Thrombophlebitis
  • Sepsis

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  2. Fucsek M, Kovacs M, Jobbagyi P. [Orbital phlegmone caused by acute exacerbation of chronic fungal pansinusitis in a child]. Orv Hetil 2002;143:1207-10.
  3. Hirama M, Sasaki T, Tokunaka H, Taneda M. [Nonclostridial gas-producing phlegmone originating in the right thigh of a diabetic patient: report of a case with autopsy findings]. Hokkaido Igaku Zasshi 1986;61:593-8.
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