Extensive cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin: case report and literature review

Necrotizing fasciitis is a potentially fatal soft tissue infection characterized by generalized necrosis and gas formation in the subcutaneous tissues and fascia. It is rarely seen in the head and neck area. This report presents the case of a 62-year-old diabetic female patient with generalized cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis extending to the front chest wall. The cause of the disease was the extraction of the infected second molar tooth. Debridement was performed on the generalized necrotic fascia, subcutaneous tissue, and the skin extending from the preauricular area to the front chest wall and nipples. A series of debridement procedures were necessary because of generalized necrosis. The patient received intensive medical supportive treatment. Following the debridement procedures, the defective area from the neck to the front chest wall was closed up with split-thickness skin graft. Abscessed tooth extraction can lead to cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing fasciitis still remains as a potentially fatal disease. Early diagnosis, early radical surgical debridement, and a multidisciplinary approach constitute the significant factors in preventing mortality in such patients.

Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study