Complications of space infections of the head and neck

Life threatening infections of odontogenic or upper airway origin may extend to potential spaces formed by fascial planes of the lower head and upper cervical area. The incidence of these "space infections" has been greatly reduced by modern antibiotic therapy. However, serious morbidity and even fatalities continue to occur. Two cases of deep neck infection, (one of odontogenic and one tonsillar in origin) with subsequent mediastinitis, empyema, pericarditis and ultimate survival are reported. One case of deep neck infection, (of odontogenic etiology) and suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein with ultimate fatal outcome is also reviewed. Review of the literature reveals only one previous case report of a survivor of an odontogenic deep neck infection complicated by mediastinitis, empyema and pericarditis. The anatomy, etiology and treatment of complications of these "space infections" of the head and neck are briefly reviewed.