[Necrotizing fasciitis: review and case report]

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe, rapidly progressing soft tissue infection.
• Head and neck presentations of NF are uncommon.
• Systemic diseases and comorbidities can influence NF progression.

Observation:

• A 69-year-old patient with uncontrolled diabetes presented with facial swelling and periorbital cellulitis.
• The condition exhibited cyclical evolution, necessitating surgical and medical management.
• A literature review on head and neck NF was conducted.

Findings:

• The patient achieved favorable survival outcomes despite significant aesthetic and functional sequelae.
• The case highlights the rarity and unique characteristics of head and neck NF.
• Early clinical diagnosis and complementary studies are vital for effective management.

Implications:

• Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing head and neck necrotizing fasciitis.
• Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for optimizing patient care and outcomes.
• Understanding the influence of comorbidities is key to successful treatment strategies.