title: Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Dental Extraction.
abstract: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is an unusual infection characterized by necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and fascial layers. Risk factors for the development of necrotizing fasciitis include diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, peripheral vascular disease, malnutrition, advanced age, obesity, alcohol abuse, intravenous drug use, surgery, and ischemic ulcers. This report presents a case of necrotizing fasciitis in the cervical area caused by dental extraction in a 73-year-old woman. Cervical necrotizing fasciitis in geriatric patient is rare, and even when establishing the diagnosis and having it timely treated, the patient can suffer irreversible damage or even death. Clinical manifestations in the head and neck usually have an acute onset characterized by severe pain, swelling, redness, erythema, presence of necrotic tissue, and in severe cases obstruction of the upper airways. Therefore, the presentation of this clinical case can serve as guidance to dentists as a precaution to maintain an aseptic chain and be aware of the clinical condition of older patients and the systemic conditions that may increase the risk of infections.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco, Universidade de Pernambuco, Avenida General Newton Cavalcante, 1650 Aldeia dos Camarás, 54753-020 Camaragibe, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: José Alcides
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6599-3950
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Arruda
authors.affiliation: Hospital da Restauração, Avenida Governador Agamenon Magalhães, S/N, Derby, 52010-040 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eugênia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco, Universidade de Pernambuco, Avenida General Newton Cavalcante, 1650 Aldeia dos Camarás, 54753-020 Camaragibe, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Pâmella
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Álvares
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco, Universidade de Pernambuco, Avenida General Newton Cavalcante, 1650 Aldeia dos Camarás, 54753-020 Camaragibe, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luciano
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário Lagoa Nova, P.O. Box 1524, 59078-970 Natal, RN, Brazil.
authors.forename: Leorik
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco, Universidade de Pernambuco, Avenida General Newton Cavalcante, 1650 Aldeia dos Camarás, 54753-020 Camaragibe, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Antônio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Caubi
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco, Universidade de Pernambuco, Avenida General Newton Cavalcante, 1650 Aldeia dos Camarás, 54753-020 Camaragibe, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Silveira
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco, Universidade de Pernambuco, Avenida General Newton Cavalcante, 1650 Aldeia dos Camarás, 54753-020 Camaragibe, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Paula
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Sobral