Deep neck infection complicated by diabetes mellitus. Report of a case.
A poorly controlled diabetic patient who developed a life-threatening deep neck infection from a periodontal abscess is presented. Despite treatment reflecting the current surgical and medical approach to management of this infection, he failed to show the consistent improvement that would be expected in a nondiabetic patient. The physiologic differences in the defense systems of the diabetic versus the nondiabetic host are discussed, and general guidelines for identification of the diabetic patient are offered.
D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000473:pathology*; D010508:Periodontal Abscess / Q000150:complications*; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications*