Streptococcal gangrene of the head and neck: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Necrotizing bacterial infections that occur in the head and neck are exceedingly rare and are often associated with a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). The disease is associated with soft tissue necrosis and vascular thrombosis. There appears to be an increasing incidence of hyperaggressive beta hemolytic streptococcal infections associated with high mortality rates. We report the survival of an otherwise healthy patient who developed a flu-like illness followed by a rapidly progressive toxic systemic illness associated with subtotal facial soft tissue necrosis down to bone. The recent literature related to this necrotizing bacterial infection is reviewed. Otolaryngologists must be aware of this entity since survival depends upon aggressive early wound management and high-dose intravenous antibiotics.