FOURNIERS-GANGRENE DURING INDUCTION TREATMENT OF ACUTE PROMYELOCYTIC LEUKEMIA, A CASE-REPORT

Fournier's gangrene is described as a fulminant necrotizing fasciitis of the scrotum and penis. Few cases have been reported in the context of acute leukemia. We describe a case, complicating the induction trea tment of an acute promyelocytic leukemia with all trans-retinoic acid and chemotherapy. The evolution was favorable, following surgical exci sion and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. The respective roles of al l trans-retinoic acid and granulocytopenia are discussed. This devasta ting and life-threatening infection must be kept in mind for early cli nical, bacteriological, and radiological diagnosis and surgical manage ment.