title: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis.
abstract: Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection that results in necrosis of the fasciae and subcutaneous tissues; the infection can quickly prove fatal. Although involvement of the head and neck is rare, causes are usually odontogenic or pharyngeal but can also be insect bites, local trauma, burns or surgery. We present a clinical case of a 31-year-old Italian woman with cervical necrotizing fasciitis having an uncommon presentation. While under treatment, the patient's husband was admitted for necrotizing fasciitis of the medial fasciae of his left leg subsequent to an insect sting. The causes, diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: E.N.T. Clinic, S. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aimoni
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Cilione
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Grandi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lombardi
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Merlo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pastore
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000150:complications; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D007509:Irritants; C029938:nickel sulfate; D009532:Nickel