Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck: Report of two cases and literature review

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a potentially fatal soft-tissue infection characterized by rapidly progressive necrosis of subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia. NF of the head and neck is a rare clinical entity, and it must be carefully differentiated from less severe conditions. Factors such as delayed treatment, inappropriate treatment, host debilitation, and polymicrobial infection contribute to the mortality and morbidity of NF. Adequate surgical debridement, urgent antibiotic therapy, and supportive measures are the keys to decreasing mortality and morbidity. We report 2 new cases and review the literature.