title: Necrotizing soft tissue infections of the head and neck: case reports and literature review.
abstract: A small but nevertheless important part of a surgeon's experience comprises necrotizing soft tissue infections of the head and neck. The purpose of this report is to heighten awareness of necrotizing soft tissue infections in any patient with an infection of the head and neck. The article also outlines an appropriate management strategy for use in the treatment of patients with this potentially fatal condition. Prompt diagnosis and early radical surgical debridement are significant factors in avoiding a fatal outcome in these patients. This article reviews the literature on necrotizing soft tissue infections of the head and neck and presents cases from our recent experience.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West of Scotland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service, Glasgow.
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McMahon
authors.forename: Terrence
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Koppel
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D012535:Scalp / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents