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Necrotising fasciitis of the neck

Neelam Vaid1, Ajay Kothadiya, Subhash Patki

  • 1Dept of Otorhinolaryngology, Director of Surgery, Lecturer in Surgery, Dept of Surgery, K.E.M. Hospital, Pune.

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India
|November 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Necrotising fasciitis is a rare but severe soft tissue infection affecting the head and neck. This case highlights a previously healthy individual who developed this fulminant infection secondary to a peritonsillar abscess.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

  • Necrotising fasciitis is a rapid, severe soft tissue infection.
  • It typically affects adults in the perineum, extremities, or abdominal wall.
  • Immunocompromised individuals face a higher risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of necrotising fasciitis in the head and neck.
  • To investigate its occurrence secondary to a peritonsillar abscess in a healthy patient.
  • To discuss the pathogenesis and treatment of this infection.

Main Methods:

  • Case report presentation.
  • Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic findings.
  • Discussion of treatment strategies including surgical debridement and antibiotics.

Main Results:

  • A previously healthy individual developed necrotising fasciitis of the neck.
  • The infection was secondary to a peritonsillar abscess.
  • Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Necrotising fasciitis of the head and neck is uncommon but serious.
  • Peritonsillar abscesses can be a precursor in healthy individuals.
  • Prompt surgical intervention and antibiotics are vital for managing this fulminant infection.
Keywords:
NeckNecrotising fasciitisSurgical debridement

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