Cervical necrotizing soft tissue infection - a case report

A small but nevertheless important part of a surgeons experience comprises necrotizing soft tissue infections of the head and neck. These infections are characterized by their fulminating, devastating, and rapid-progressing course resulting in extensive necrosis of fascia, subcutaneous tissues, skin and muscle. Although necrotizing facilities is a more frequently used terminology, the authors prefer to use the term necrotizing soft tissue infection to describe this potentially fatal condition. A case of cervical necrotizing soft tissue infection of dental origin is reported here. The purpose of this report is to heighten awareness of necrotizing soft tissue infections in any patient with an infection of the neck. The article also outlines an appropriate management strategy for use in such patients with emphasis on prompt diagnosis and early radical surgical debridement.