Cervical necrotizing fasciitis: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis is a rare infection, usually with rapid and progressive evolution of the superficial fascia and subcutaneous adipose tissue. It can develop from an odontogenic infection that spreads to the facial and deep planes. This study aims to report a clinical case of a 49-year-old female patient, seen at the Emergency Department of Hospital Getúlio Vargas-PE, with a clinical condition suggestive of Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis of Odontogenic origin. Case report: The proposed treatment was broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotic therapy, radical surgical debridement with the installation of a right submandibular transfixing penrose drain, multiple extractions to remove the primary focus of the infection, in addition to curatives guided by the infectology team. Final considerations: Exceptionally, cervical necrotizing fasciitis must have an immediate diagnosis and management, due to the high rates of destruction, rapid progression and mortality. In cases of Necrotizing Fasciitis of odontogenic origin, antibiotic therapy, removal of the foci(s) of infection, surgical debridement and intensive monitoring constitute the appropriate therapy.