Synergistic necrotizing cellulitis of the head and neck

Synergistic necrotizing cellulitis of the head and neck is a rarely reported virulent infection producing extensive involvement of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia. The reported mortality rate has been approximately 75 per cent. An additional case of a patient experiencing the synergistic effect of infections with an anaerobic streptococcus and a species of Proteus in the head and neck is reported. A review of the pertinent literature is presented.