Necrotising myositis is a bacterial infection closely related to the flesh-eating disease necrotising fasciitis. Both conditions must be diagnosed without delay if complications are to be prevented.
Necrotising myositis
Just like necrotising fasciitis, necrotising myositis is a bacterial infection of the soft tissue. However, it is caused by a different type of bacteria – usually the streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Necrotising fasciitis is most commonly caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
Necrotising myositis is associated with the following symptoms:-
- Severe pain at the site of infection
- Swelling and redness at the site of infection
- Fever
- Blisters on the skin which filled with a pale yellow fluid. These are called bullae.
These symptoms are very similar to necrotising fasciitis, although the visual appearance of the skin is slightly different, as necrotising myositis is characterised by bullae on the skin.
Treating necrotising myositis
Necrotising myositis is a medical emergency, as is necrotising fasciitis. This is because in both conditions, the bacteria will spread extremely quickly, creating a large area of dead (necrotic) tissue. All of this will need to be surgically removed because once the tissue has died it cannot be saved. If a large area of tissue has become necrotic, an amputation may be necessary.
With regards to necrotising myositis, experts suggest that treatment must be provided within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. The eventual outcome is therefore dependent upon how quickly a diagnosis is made. Although it is a rare condition, medical professionals should realise that a patient’s symptoms correspond with the signs of a severe infection. An exploration of the site of infection should then be undertaken in theatre, and this should secure an accurate diagnosis.
The same process will ensure a positive diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis, although often a diagnosis can be made without an examination in theatre.
Failure to diagnose and treat necrotising myositis
If medical practitioners fail to treat necrotising myositis because there is a delay in diagnosis, or there is a delay in getting a patient to theatre, there may be grounds for a compensation claim.
This is because a reasonable medical practitioner should be able to diagnose the condition in a prompt manner and appreciate the need for emergency treatment. This will prevent serious complications occurring, including amputation and septic shock. If there is a negligent failure to diagnose necrotising myositis (or necrotising fasciitis), and this caused complications that could otherwise have been avoided, there will be a case of medical negligence.
If you or your loved one has been harmed because doctors failed to diagnose necrotising myositis or necrotising fasciitis, please get in touch with us today.
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