Necrotizing cervical fasciitis: a case report and review of literature

Necrotizing cervical fasciitis is a rare, fulminating infection causing extensive necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and fascial planes with resultant skin gangrene. To reduce the morbitity and mortality from this condition, it requires early recognition and aggressive surgical debridment with appropriate antibiotic therapy. The origin is generally odontogenic and presents more often in immunocompromised patients. This article presents a case with typical clinical features and appropriate management of this condition. An review of literature was carried out for microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, management and prognosis of this condition.