Article: Volume 49 Number 2 Page 127 - February 2022
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Dental Update 497: 127-130
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis of Odontogenic Origin
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Abstract: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is a rare, but serious condition that can develop as a result of an odontogenic infection spreading into the deep fascial planes of the neck. The infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and consequent multiple organ failure. A case of CNF affecting a 42-year-old woman who was treated with rapid surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotics is presented. She subsequently required further head and neck reconstruction as a result of morbidity from the disease.
Clinical relevance: Although rare, it is pertinent that dental practitioners recognize that untreated dental infection might trigger necrotizing fasciitis, especially in high-risk patients.
Author notes: Aaron Chai, BDS, MBBS, MFDS RCPS(Glasg), MRCS (Glasg), Specialist Registrar in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary. Anupam Chandran, BDS, MFDS RCPS(Glasg), Dental Core Trainee in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary. Stephen Crank, BDS, MBChB, FDSRCS(Ed), FRCS (OMFS), Consultant in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary. email: aaronchaikianwee@yahoo.co.uk
Objective: The reader should understand the aetiology of cervical necrotizing fasciitis and how the initial stages may present.
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