phlegmon

Introduction

Diffuse inflammatory process with formation of purulent exudate

Etiology

• bacterial
  • Staphylococci, Streptococci
  • spore & non-spore forming anaerobes
• non-infectious

Pathology

• necrosis, non-infectious (pancreas)

Clinical manifestations

• pain
• systemic features of infection may be present
  • fever

Laboratory

• complete blood count: leukocytosis may be observed
• urinalysis

Radiology

CT or ultrasound as indicated

Management

• dependent on etiology
• for pancreatic necrosis
  • broad spectrum antibiotics
    • imipenem (alone)
    • cefuroxime (alone)
    • ceftazidime, amikacin & metronidazole
    • ofloxacin & metronidazole

More general terms

• abnormal morphologic structure (malformation)