National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Fournier gangrene


Other Names:
Fournier's gangrene
Fournier gangrene refers to the death of body tissue of the genitals and/or perineum. Signs and symptoms of the condition include genital pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling with a rapid progression to gangrene.[1][2][3] Although the condition can affect men and women of all ages, it is most commonly diagnosed in adult males. Most cases of Fournier gangrene are caused by an infection in the genital area or urinary tract. People with impaired immunity (i.e. due to diabetes or HIV) have an increased susceptibility to the condition. Treatment generally includes surgery and medications such as antibiotics and/or antifungal therapy.[1][2]
Last updated: 2/25/2016

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • Mayo Clinic has an information page on Fournier gangrene.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Fournier gangrene. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Vernon M Pais, Jr, MD. Fournier Gangrene. Medscape Reference. November 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2028899-overview.
  2. Fournier Gangrene. NORD. 2014; http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/fournier-gangrene/.
  3. Gangrene. Mayo Clinic. June 2014; http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gangrene/basics/definition/con-20031120.