Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck: a report of two patients and review.
BACKGROUND
Necrotizing fasciitis is a disfiguring condition that can be fatal. The head and neck region is rarely affected. However, when involved, the functional and cosmetic sequelae can be considerable.


METHODS
We present two case histories, discuss salient diagnostic points, treatment, and review published data on this topic.


RESULTS
With a timely diagnosis we were able to diagnose and appropriately treat these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Necrotizing fasciitis is a disfiguring condition that can be fatal if not diagnosed in a timely fashion. Diagnosis and treatment require a high index of suspicion, immediate operative intervention, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and appropriate supportive care.
Chattar-Cora
Deowall
D
Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Morristown Memorial Hospital, 100 Franklin St. #H110, New Jersey 07960, USA. DeowallChattar@yahoo.com
Tulsyan
Nirman
N
Cudjoe
Ernest A
EA
Onime
Godfrey D
GD
Pyo
Daniel J
DJ
Weinstein
Larry
L
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D009336:Necrosis
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents