Cervical necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin: a case report and review of 12 cases.
OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the demographics, presentation, cause, clinical findings, and treatment of 12 cases of cervical necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of 12 cases treated between 1987 and 1997 was done.


RESULTS
Most cases resulted from an abscessed mandibular molar. The most common significant medical conditions in the patient's history were diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and substance abuse. All patients were treated surgically within 24 hours of admission. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) was used as adjunctive treatment in all cases. The average length of hospital stay was 31 days. All patients recovered.


CONCLUSIONS
Early surgical intervention and the use of HBO decreases morbidity and improves the clinical outcome.
Whitesides
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L
Hyperbaric Medicine, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore 21201, USA.
Cotto-Cumba
C
C
Myers
R A
RA
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003646:Debridement; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009336:Necrosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents