Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-gvh9x Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-16T11:56:26.731Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Necrotizing fasciitis of the neck

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

H. S. Kaddour
Affiliation:
Huddersfield
G. J. C. Smelt*
Affiliation:
Huddersfield
*
Consultant ENT Surgeon, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Acre Street, Lindley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Abstract

Necrotizing fascitis (N.F.) is a rare but serious infection of subcutaneous tissues and deep fascia with resulting skin gangrene and septicaemia. It is due to mixed anaerobic and aerobic organisms. It has been reported under a variety of synonyms.

We describe two cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the neck probably secondary to chronic dental infection, one was diagnosed early and the other late with very different outcomes. We highlight the importance of early and aggressive surgical treatment to complement parenteral antibiotics covering both aerobic and anaerobic organisms.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Bahna, M., Canalis, R. F. (1980) Necrotizing fasciitis (Streptococcal gangrene) of the face. Report of a case and review of the literature. Archives of Otolaryngology, 106: 648651.Google Scholar
Balcerak, R. J., Sisto, J. M., Bosack, R. C. (1988) Cervical necrotizing fasciitis: Report of three cases and literature review. Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, 46: 450459.Google Scholar
Crowson, W. N. (1973) Fatal necrotizing fasciitis developing after tooth extraction. The American Surgeon, 39: 525527.Google ScholarPubMed
Fisher, J. R., Conway, M. J., Takeshita, R. T., Somdoval, M. R. (1979) Necrotizing fasciitis, importance of roentgenographic studies for soft tissue gas. JAMA, 241: 803806.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gallia, L. J., Johnson, J. T. (1981) Cervical necrotizing fasciitis. Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, 89: 935937.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Johnson, A. P., Gray, R. F.Smelt, G. J. C. (1984) Life-threatening peripharyngeal suppuration. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 98: 429435.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Jones, J. (1871) Investigation upon the nature, causes and treatment of hospital gangrene as it prevailed in the Confederate Armies mission 1861–1865. Sanitary Commission, New York, U.S.Google Scholar
Kao, P. E.Tzen, K. Y., Huang, M. J., Chen, H. Y., Leu, H. S. (1988) Using a Gallium-67 Scan to detect the extent of necrotizing fasciitis of the neck in diabetic ketoacidosis: Report of a case. Journal of Formosan Medical Association, 87: 224227.Google ScholarPubMed
Meleney, F. L. (1924) Haemolytic streptococcus gangrene. Archives of Surgery, 9: 317364.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rea, W. J., Wyrick, W. J. (1970) Necrotizing fasciitis. Annals of Surgery, 172: 957964.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Roser, S. M., Chow, A. W., Brady, F. A. (1977) Necrotizing fasciitis. Journal of Oral Surgery, 35: 730732.Google Scholar
Steel, A. (1987) An unusual case of necrotizing fasciitis. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, 25: 328333.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Stone, H. H., Martin, J. D. (1972) Synergistic necrotizing cellulitis. Annals of Surgery, 175: 702710.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Tehrani, M. A., Ledingham, I. McA. (1977) Necrotizing fasciitis. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 53: 237242.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Wilson, B. (1952) Necrotizing fasciitis. American Surgeon, 18: 416431.Google ScholarPubMed