Cervical-thoracic necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin in a diabetic patient: a case report

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe bacterial infection with rapid and aggressive progression. The infection generally affects individuals with comorbid conditions that lead to immunologic and microvascular deficiencies. It is characterized by necrosis of tissues, mainly in the extremities, trunk, and perineum, and is rarely found in the head and neck. This case report describes the course of NF in a 55-year-old man, highlighting diagnosis, surgical treatment, drug therapy, and supportive measures. The patient, who had chronic alcoholism, systemic arterial hypertension, a smoking habit, and decompensated diabetes (glucose level of 490 mg/dL), was admitted to the hospital with a volume increase in the cervical and thoracic areas with a duration of about 7 days. He presented with fever, dyspnea, and inflammatory signs bilaterally in the submandibular, submental, and superior thoracic regions as well as severe trismus. The patient underwent a surgical procedure to drain the infectious process and to place drains. The patient developed cutaneous necrosis in the cervical and superior thoracic regions, diagnosed as NF. Surgical debridement of all affected tissue was performed. After resolution of the infection, the patient underwent skin grafting with a satisfactory outcome.