Perforated sigmoid diverticulitis presenting as Fournier’s gangrene

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a fulminant necrotising fasciitis of the perineum and genital region. We report a rare case of FG secondary to retroperitoneal perforation of sigmoid diverticulitis in a male patient in his late 60s. The patient presented with septic shock, scrotal necrosis and faecal discharge. Cross-sectional imaging revealed retroperitoneal air and oral contrast tracking from a perforated sigmoid colon into the scrotum. He underwent emergency scrotal debridement followed by sigmoidectomy with end colostomy. Early surgical source control, broad-spectrum antibiotics and vacuum-assisted closure therapy facilitated recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering intra-abdominal pathology in atypical FG presentations and the role of timely imaging and multidisciplinary management.