Crepitant cellulitis and myonecrosis caused by Klebsiella

R. A. DiGioia, J. G. Kane and R. H. Parker

A fatal case of crepitant cellulitis with myonecrosis, the first caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, is reported. The infection started in the left thigh but progressed rapidly despite appropriate antibiotics and surgery, which included incision and drainage and later a left-hip disarticulation. This case emphasizes that nonclostridial crepitant cellulitis is potentially severe and that the presence of myonecrosis is an indication for early radical surgery.