[Head and neck phlegmons - diagnosis and treatment - own observations]

Head and neck phlegmons are rare diseases, however they are associated with high risk of mortality. They can derive from different structures of the described anatomical area. They are often odontogenic. Imaging studies, especially computerized tomography play the greatest role in diagnosis of phlegmons. The treatment is based on surgical incision and drainage as well as analgesia.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 patients from three different ENT centers: ENT Department of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ENT Department of the Municipal Hospital in Sosnowiec and ENT Department of the Hospital No.1 in Bytom. Laboratory results, imaging results, treatment and other factors influencing the course of the disease were analyzed.

Most patients were males and the average age was 50.8. In most cases the phlegmons were diffused and localized in different regions of head and neck. The phlegmons were mainly located in the carotid and parapharyngeal space. Streptococci and staphylococci were the most common pathogenes found in the examined material. Antibiotics and metronidasol were effective in all cases. Two types of surgical procedure were performed - either common abscess incision or broad incision along sternocleiodomastoid muscle.

Head and neck phlegmons are rare and they affect patients at any age. The dominating localization of the phlegmons depends mainly on the starting point. Computerized tomography plays the most important role in diagnosis. The treatment is based on surgical procedures and antibiotics.