[Gangrenous cellulitis of the face. Apropos of a case]

Gangrenous cellulitis of the face of dental origin had a very abrupt onset, spread rapidly in spite of treatment and led to severe pleuropericardial complications. The outcome was favorable after repeated thoracic surgery. Preventive therapeutic measures for these major accidents are discussed, following a detailed report on the case presented and treatment modalities applicable, fatal outcomes still being possible in 1984 in spite of progress in therapy.