Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is rapidly spreading soft tissue infection involving the subcutaneous tissues. Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is rare complication from dental infection that can lead to the involvement of the neck, mediastinum and chest wall. The case discussed below is of a patient with an odontogenic infection, leading to spread of infection along the cervical fascial planes due to immunocompromised state of patient causing necrosis and wound in neck region, diagnosed as cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis. The author found a successful outcome in the patient after he underwent surgical debridement and antibiotic coverage.