TY - JOUR AU - Tuncali, Dogan; Akbuga, Unzile B.; Aslan, Gurcan TI - Cutaneous anthrax of the hand: Some clinical observations SN - 0970-0358 SN - 1998-376X PY - 2004 JO - Indian J Plast Surg JF - Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery LA - EN VL - 37 IS - 02 SP - 131 EP - 133 DA - 2020/01/15 KW - Cutaneous anthrax KW - hand KW - compartment syndrome AB - 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 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 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. PB - Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd. DO - 10.1055/s-0039-1697228 UR - http://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0039-1697228 ER -