RETROPERITONEAL NECROTIZING FASCIITIS IN A 4-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but serious condition with a poor prog nosis both in adults and in children. Retroperitoneal localization is mostly associated with fatal outcome. Early diagnosis, extensive and r epealed surgical debridement, and use of antibiotics are necessary. He rein the authors report on a 4-year-old girl in whom retroperitoneal n ecrotizing fasciitis developed after she suffered from pyelonephritis. In this case, the outcome was favorable because of early surgical int ervention, confirming the diagnosis. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunde rs Company.