Fournier's gangrene as the initial clinical manifestation of diabetes mellitus

Fournier's gangrene is a true urosurgical emergency requiring prompt surgical intervention. Diabetes mellitus is not uncommon among the sufferers of Fournier's gangrene. In rare instances, Fournier's gangrene may present as the initial clinical manifestation of diabetes mellitus in an undiagnosed diabetic. An unknown, and hence uncontrolled, diabetic situation and its associated pathophysiologic changes will adversely aggravate the infectious process. Alertness to this possibility together with efforts to control the diabetes and urosurgically manage the gangrene afford the promise of successful cure.