title: [Head and neck phlegmons - diagnosis and treatment - own observations].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Head and neck phlegmons are rare diseases, however they are associated with high risk of mortality. They can derive from different structures of the described anatomical area. They are often odontogenic. Imaging studies, especially computerized tomography play the greatest role in diagnosis of phlegmons. The treatment is based on surgical incision and drainage as well as analgesia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 patients from three different ENT centers: ENT Department of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ENT Department of the Municipal Hospital in Sosnowiec and ENT Department of the Hospital No.1 in Bytom. Laboratory results, imaging results, treatment and other factors influencing the course of the disease were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most patients were males and the average age was 50.8. In most cases the phlegmons were diffused and localized in different regions of head and neck. The phlegmons were mainly located in the carotid and parapharyngeal space. Streptococci and staphylococci were the most common pathogenes found in the examined material. Antibiotics and metronidasol were effective in all cases. Two types of surgical procedure were performed - either common abscess incision or broad incision along sternocleiodomastoid muscle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Head and neck phlegmons are rare and they affect patients at any age. The dominating localization of the phlegmons depends mainly on the starting point. Computerized tomography plays the most important role in diagnosis. The treatment is based on surgical procedures and antibiotics.
authors: Katedra i Klinika Laryngologii Śląskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Katowicach. jmarkow1@poczta.onet.pl
authors: Jarosław
authors: J
authors: Markowski
authors: Włodzimierz
authors: W
authors: Dziubdziela
authors: Piotr
authors: P
authors: Wardas
authors: Agnieszka
authors: A
authors: Piotrowska
authors: Izabela
authors: I
authors: Sowińska-Krzyżanowska
authors: Tatiana
authors: T
authors: Gierek
authors: Jarosław
authors: J
authors: Paluch
authors: Aleksandra
authors: A
authors: Konopka
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008795:Metronidazole