[Odontogenic cervical-facial cellulitis: report of 87 cases]

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cervical-facial cellulitis presents significant risks for vital and functional prognosis due to potential complications.
• Management is inherently multidisciplinary, combining medical treatment with surgical drainage and addressing the primary dental cause.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of odontogenic head and neck cellulitis.
• To identify key factors influencing patient prognosis and inform preventive strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 87 patients with odontogenic head and neck cellulitis hospitalized between January 2017 and December 2020.
• Data collection included patient demographics, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, treatment protocols, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Young adults were most affected; poor oral hygiene, tobacco, and alcohol were primary risk factors.
• Suppurative cellulitis was common, with some cases showing extension to aerodigestive tracts or rare severe complications like Lemierre syndrome.
• Multidisciplinary treatment, including antibiotics and dental intervention, led to a 98.9% favorable outcome rate.

Conclusions:

• Rapid and adequate management is essential to prevent severe functional and vital prognosis impacts.
• Preventive measures focusing on oral hygiene are paramount.
• The study highlights the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach in managing these complex infections.