Revue médicale de Bruxelles
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Case Reports
[Cervical necrotizing fasciitis arising from dental abscess: a rare clinical observation].
Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck is a rare polymicrobial infection, rapidly progressing with a potentially fatal outcome, without early recognition and treatment. Odontogenic infection spreading to the lower neck or anterior chest is an important clinical feature. CT-scan and MRI can be useful in case of doubt. ⋯ Antibiotherapy is based on the organisms most frequently involved. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and vacuum-assisted closure could have a role after initiation of intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement. We report a case of a 23-year old man with a necrotizing fasciitis from a dental origin, necessitating an extensive and repeated surgery, a tracheotomy and antibiotherapy; he developed severe complications such as multisystem organ failure, pericardial effusion and cardiorespiratory arrest.