Abstract:
We review an interesting case of craniocervical necrotizing fasciitis with thoracic extension in an immunocompetent 44-year-old man. The patient underwent aggressive medical and surgical management during a long hospitalization. Multiple surgical debridements, including transcervical mediastinal debridement, and eventually a thoracotomy for mediastinal abscess were required. The patient eventually recovered, and 3 months later he showed no sign of complications or recurrence. Craniocervical necrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant soft-tissue infection, usually of odontogenic origin, that requires prompt identification and treatment to ensure survival. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, aggressive surgical debridement and wound care, hyperbaric oxygen, and good intensive care are the mainstays of treatment.
Edwards, Sadeghi, Najam, Margolis, , , , , (2004). Craniocervical necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin with mediastinal extension. Ear, nose, & throat journal, 2004 Aug;83(8):579-82. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15487640