Investigations and Diagnosis of Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene) and Toxic Shock Syndrome

In this article, we will discuss the Investigations and Diagnosis of Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene) and Toxic Shock Syndrome. So, let’s get started.

Investigations

• There may be leucocytosis, haemolyticanaemia, thrombocytopenia (DIC) due to toxaemia or toxic shock syndrome.
• Muscle enzymes: There may be raised creatine phosphokinase (CK).
• Radiograph of the involved area may show collection of gas with ill-defined soft tissue shadow.
• USG and CT scan may confirm badly
damage muscle and presence of gas.
• Isolation of the organism from scrapping from uterus, smears from the wound or cervical discharge by Gram’s staining. Blood culture for isolation of the organism to be placed in anaerobic media.
• Frozen section biopsy of muscle confirms the diagnosis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of gas gangrene is primarily on the clinical findings with demonstration of gas in the muscles, soft tissue or uterus and isolation of the organism from the site involved (smears of wound exudates, uterine scrappings or cervical discharge) or from the blood cultures to be placed in selective media and incubated under anaerobic conditions. The diagnosis is confirmed by frozen section biopsy of the muscle.