title: Management of necrotizing fasciitis in the neck.
abstract: Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft tissue infection, usually polymicrobial, characterized by necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous tissue. Although it more commonly involves the groin, abdomen, and extremities, it may also occur in the head and neck. We report a case of cervical necrotizing fasciitis arising from a dental infection and review the cause, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of this potentially lethal entity. Early detection and accurate intervention are emphasized. Extensive surgical debridement completed with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Catholic University Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: De Backer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bossuyt
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schoenaers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015377:Cilastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003646:Debridement; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D015378:Imipenem / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013845:Thienamycins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D010406:Penicillins; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D013845:Thienamycins; D008795:Metronidazole; D015377:Cilastatin; D015378:Imipenem