Necrotizing fascitis of Head & Neck: Case reports

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is rapidly progressing bacterial infection spreading along the deep fascial plane. It is associated with systemic toxicity and high mortality rate. Immunocompromised patients are at an increased risk of developing this infection.

Necrotizing Fasciitis of Head & Neck region is an extremely rare entity. The commonest cause is secondary to dental infections. Odontogenic infections are often improperly managed by primary care physicians and general dental practitioners. Delays in removal of offending teeth and proper surgical drainage while relying on antibiotic treatment only can result in serious complications.

These infections require early diagnosis, aggressive surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotic therapy. We describe two clinical cases with NF where outpatient treatment, early surgical debridement of the affected zones and critical care therapy were performed which resulted in resolution of infectious process.