Health Dictionary Find a Doctor

Fournier gangrene diagnostic criteria

Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[1]; Jesus Rosario Hernandez, M.D. [2]

Overview

Overview

The diagnosis of Fournier gangrene is primarily based on clinical findings. The diagnosis is based on following criteria:[1] Soft tissue infections with involvement of the scrotum, perineum and perianal areas, presence of air infiltrating the subcutaneous tissue (demonstrated by physical examination or radiological findings), surgical findings of gangrenous and necrotic tissue, histologically proven necrotizing fasciitis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Fournier gangrene is primarily based on clinical findings. The diagnosis is based on following criteria:[1]

Diagnostic Criteria

The Uludag Fournier gangrene severity index

Physiologic Variables High Abnormal Values Normal Low Abnormal Values
+4 +3 +2 +1 0 +1 +2 +3 + 4
Temperature >41 39-40.0 38.5-39 36-38.4 34-35.9 32-33.9 30-31.9 <29.9
Heart Rate >180 140-179 110-139 70-109 55-69 40-54 <39
Respiratory Rate >50 35-49 25-34 12-24 10-11 6-9 <5
Serum Sodium (mmol/L) >180 160-179 155-159 150-154 130-149 120-129 111-119 <110
Serum Potassium (mmol/L) >7 6-6.9 5.5-5.9 3.5-5.4 3-3.4 2.5-2.9 <2.5
Serum Creatinine
(mg/100/ml*2 for acute renal failure)
>3.5 2-3.4 1.5-1.9 0.6-1.4 <0.6
Hematocrit >60 50-59.9 46-49.9 30-45.9 20-29.9 <20
WBC (Total/mm*1000) >40 20-39.9 15-19.9 3-14.9 1-2.9 <1
Serum Bicarbonate (Venous,mmol/l) >52 41-51.9 32-40.9 22-31.9 18-21.9 15-17.9 <15
  • Score >10.5 indicates 96% probability of death[2]
  • Score ≤10.5 indicates 96% probability of survival

According to Loar and colleagues, the severity of Fournier gangrene is:

  • Score ≥9 indicates 46% probability of death
  • Score <9 indicates 96% probability of survival


References

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Kuo CF, Wang WS, Lee CM, Liu CP, Tseng HK (2007). “Fournier’s gangrene: ten-year experience in a medical center in northern Taiwan”. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 40 (6): 500–6. PMID 18087630.
  2. Kabay S, Yucel M, Yaylak F, Algin MC, Hacioglu A, Kabay B; et al. (2008). “The clinical features of Fournier’s gangrene and the predictivity of the Fournier’s Gangrene Severity Index on the outcomes”. Int Urol Nephrol. 40 (4): 997–1004. doi:10.1007/s11255-008-9401-4. PMID 18563618.

Looking for the patient version?

Back to the patient-friendly article

© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH