Life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis of the neck: an unusual consequence of a sore throat.
BACKGROUND
Necrotizing fasciitis is life-threatening bacterial infection which spreads with frightening speed along the fascial planes resulting in extensive tissue necrosis and often death. The infection is caused by either Group A streptococci or a combination of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Necrotizing fasciitis of the neck is rare and commonly has a dental origin.


METHODS
Here we present a unique case of the condition that was preceded by a sore throat in a young immunocompetent woman. We also describe, for the first time, a successful outcome involving primary skin closure and daily irrigation of the wound with hydrogen peroxide.
Persaud
R
R
St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK. randm.persaud@ukgateway.net
Krahé
D
D
Georgalas
C
C
Kaniyur
S
S
Das
S
S
Alusi
G
G
D000328:Adult; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000150:complications*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods