Necrotizing fasciitis of the neck—2 case report

Background and objectives: Necrotizing fasciitis of the neck is a rare, progressive and life-threatening bacterial infection, usually polymicrobial, which spreads with frightening speed along the fascial planes and subcutaneous tissue, resulting in extensive tissue necrosis and often death. Rapidly spreading necrosis can cause systemic sepsis, toxic shock syndrome and multiorgan failure.

Methods: We report 2 cases following odontogenic neck cellulites, complicated with abscess formation in the anterior region of the neck. The first case is a 59 years old men, with no relevant precedent medic conditions, the second case is a 67 years old men with rheumatoid arthritis medicated with prednisolone, both with poor oral health. Early recognition of the symptoms followed by aggressive debridement of all necrotic tissue was conducted, medical support in an intensive medical care unit and broad spectrum antibiotics were also immediately started.

Results: In the first case, the smaller myocutaneous defect of the anterior region of the neck, was reconstructed with skin grafts, the second patient larger defect is reconstructed with a latissimus dorsi free flap.

Conclusions: Early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics and surgical debridement can lead to successful outcomes in a disease with a high mortality rate.

Key words: necrotizing fasciitis; neck; dental infections

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Jan 21, 2018 | Posted by in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Comments Off on Necrotizing fasciitis of the neck—2 case report

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