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Case Reports
. 2008 Jul;1(2):114-8.
doi: 10.4103/0974-2700.43197.

Minor trauma triggering cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis from odontogenic abscess

Shraddha Jain  1 , Prakash S Nagpure, Roohie Singh, Deepika Garg
Affiliations
Case Reports

Minor trauma triggering cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis from odontogenic abscess

Shraddha Jain et al. J Emerg Trauma Shock. 2008 Jul.

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the face and neck is a very rare complication of dental infection. Otolaryngologists and dentists should be familiar with this condition because of its similarity to odontogenic deep neck space infection in the initial stages, its rapid spread, and its life-threatening potential. Trauma has been reported to be an important predisposing factor for NF of the face. In this paper, we describe the presentation and treatment of a 62-year-old man who developed NF of the face and neck following bilateral odontogenic deep neck space abscesses. The disease progressed rapidly, with necrosis of the skin, after the patient inflicted minor trauma in the form of application of heated medicinal leaves. The organism isolated in culture from pus was Acinetobacter sp. The comorbid conditions in our patient were anemia and chronic alcoholism. The patient was managed by immediate and repeated extensive debridements and split-skin grafting.

Keywords: Face; fasciitis; necrotizing; tooth diseases/complications; trauma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
X-ray showing presence of subcutaneous gas formation
Figure 2
Figure 2
Areas of initial discoloration, oozing, and necrosis in the right cervicofacial region
Figure 3
Figure 3
Blackish discoloration over the left cheek
Figure 4
Figure 4
Increasing area of necrosis of cervicofacial skin and subcutaneous tissue on right side
Figure 5
Figure 5
Granulating areas after debridement and dressing
Figure 6
Figure 6
Healed wound after skin grafting
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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