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Lumbosacral necrotizing fasciitis after thoracic drainage: a case report documenting subcutaneous and fascial spread

Li W, Shen H, Li Q, Wu J, Han M, Zhuang Q

BMC infectious diseases, 2026

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) rarely spreads from the chest to the lumbosacral region. We report a fatal case in a 61-year-old man, documented by serial imaging and surgical exploration, that provides strong evidence suggesting subcutaneous and fascial spread of infection from a thoracic drainage site. This case highlights a rare but deadly complication and suggests that increased vigilance may be warranted in immunocompromised patients.

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