Cecal perforation presenting as abdominal-wall necrotizing fasciitis

The preoperative diagnosis of a cecal perforation associated with Salmonella infection as a cause of abdominal-wall necrotizing fasciitis (AWNF) is clinically difficult. Computed tomography of the abdomen is helpful, and can detect the combined presence of a pneumoscrotum and pneumoperitoneum. Its presence indicates a patent processus vaginalis, which acts as the primary route for the spread of the intra-abdominal infectious process into the abdominal wall. An exploratory laparotomy should be done to confirm the presence of intra-abdominal pathology in order to avoid delayed treatment.