Cervico-facial necrotizing fasciitis

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis of the cervical facial region is a rare entity that has seen an increasing prevalence in the last 20 years. It is most common in patients with an underlying systemic disease leading to immunosuppression, but can be seen in healthy adults and children. It is characterized by soft tissue destruction which is disproportionate to its clinical symptoms and signs, with rapid progression and fatal outcome, if not treated rapidly and radically. We present a review of the etio-pathogenesis and management of this challenging disease.