Necrotizing Fasciitis Extending to the Neck After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: A Case Report

Introduction: Minor complications have been reported following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), including renal colic, gross hematuria, urinary obstruction, and hematoma. Some rare major complications have been also reported, such as abscess formation, acute pancreatitis with abscess, and splenic rupture. Here, we present the computed tomographic (CT) findings of a patient with necrotizing fasciitis, along with abscess formation after ESWL, which rapidly invaded the neck, chest, and abdominal wall. Case Presentation: A 67-year-old woman presented with persistent cough, intermittent nausea, and progressive right flank pain for one month after ESWL, which was performed for a right upper ureteral stone, measuring 1.2 x 0.3 cm, with right hydronephrosis detected on abdominal X-ray and renal ultrasound. The initial abdominal CT scan showed perirenal and pararenal hematoma of the right kidney, extending to the right posterior pararenal space, right psoas muscle, and right paraspinal region. Empiric antibiotic treatment was prescribed for the patient. After one week of treatment, the follow-up CT scan showed perirenal and pararenal abscesses with necrotizing fasciitis, invading the posterior region up to the paraspinal region and then migrating upward to the chest wall, axillary, supra-clavicular, and infra-clavicular regions, and the neck. The abscess also caused downward damage to the abdominal wall. Four weeks after a surgical intervention, the inflammatory process almost resolved. Conclusion: Although the possibility of post-ESWL necrotizing fasciitis is acutely low, it is important to consider this fatal complication.