Life-Threatening Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Neck: A Case Report

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, progressive and life-threatening bacterial infection which spreads with frightening speed along the fascial planes and subcutaneous tissue resulting in extensive tissue necrosis and often death. Rapidly spreading necrosis often causes systemic sepsis, toxic shock syndrome and multiorgan failure. Necrotizing fasciitis of the neck is rare and commonly has a dental or pharyngeal origin. Factors affecting the success of the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis are early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics and surgical debridement. This article is presented in a patient with necrotizing fasciitis of the neck originated from odontogenic infection. Clinical features, pathogenesis and treatment of the case are discussed with the literature.

An unusual infection of cervicofacial area caused by dental pathology: flesh-eating syndrome

“…There are no any credible knowledge on its actual incidence in the population, but it represents 2.6% of all infections of cervicofacial area [3]. NF caused by dental origin is generally polymicrobial and contains a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic organisms [4].…”