CONTEXT: Anthrax is a very rare disease in Europe and the United States.AIM: A case of cutaneous anthrax of the hand with a wide skin defect is presented and some clinical observations here highlighted.CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old male patient with cutaneous anthrax attended our infectious diseases department with a swelling up to the upper arm.
An urgent fasciotomy was undertaken with a diagnosis of compartment syndrome.A black eschar had formed on the dorsal surface of the hand.A superficial tangential escharectomy was performed.
RESULTS: Viable fibrous tissue, about 4 to 5 click here mm in thickness over the extensor tendons, was found under the eschar.At the postoperative 2-year follow-up, remarkable healing was observed via skin grafting.CONCLUSIONS: Hand surgeons should be cautious against the compartment syndrome that may accompany cutaneous anthrax of the hand.
A consistent viable fibrous tissue can be found below the eschar.The mechanism for the involvement of the hand dorsum needs further concern.