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Serratia marcescens causing cervical necrotizing oropharyngitis

Melissa M Statham1, Amit Vohra, Deepak K Mehta

  • 1University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 231 Albert Sabin Way Cincinnati, OH 45267-0528, USA. mamcca025@yahoo.com

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A rare Serratia marcescens infection caused severe necrotizing oropharyngitis in a child. A double-balloon dilatation technique successfully managed resulting hypopharyngeal stenosis, aiding function.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection, rarely affecting the oropharynx.
  • Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious infections.

Observation:

  • A previously immunocompetent 6-year-old male presented with necrotizing oropharyngitis due to Serratia marcescens.
  • The infection resulted in a near-total oropharyngeal defect and subsequent nasopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal stenoses.

Findings:

  • The oropharyngeal wound was managed with debridement, carotid artery coverage, and pharyngeal packing.
  • The patient's hypopharyngeal stenosis was successfully treated using a minimally invasive double-balloon dilatation technique.

Implications:

  • This case highlights Serratia marcescens as a cause of severe necrotizing oropharyngitis in immunocompetent children.
  • Minimally invasive double-balloon dilatation offers a viable option for managing pediatric hypopharyngeal stenosis post-infection.
  • Restoration of function for voicing and deglutition remains a challenge in complex oropharyngeal defects.

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