dermatologic disorders
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
Pathophysiology of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
NSTI causes tissue ischemia by widespread occlusion of small subcutaneous vessels. Vessel occlusion results in skin infarction and necrosis, which facilitates the growth of obligate anaerobes (eg,Bacteroides) while promoting anaerobic metabolism by facultative organisms (eg,Escherichia coli), resulting in gangrene. Anaerobic metabolism produces hydrogen and nitrogen, relatively insoluble gases that may accumulate in subcutaneous tissues. 