[Three patients with gas gangrene of the head and neck]

Three patients with non-clostridial gas gangrene of the neck are reported. Patient 1 was a 57-year-old man, patient 2 a 63-year-old woman, and patient 3 a 44-year-old man. All three were treated by thorough debridement and precise administration of antibiotics. We also discuss 26 cases (including our 3) of gas gangrene of the head and neck, reported in Japan from 1975 to 1992, from which the following data were obtained: 1. The 26 patients consisted of 17 males and 9 females. 2. They ranged in age from 2 to 88 years, with a mean 56.5 years. 3. Causes included acute pharyngolaryngeal inflammation (46%), dental disease (27%), trauma (8%) and unknown etiology (19%). 4. As a result of bacteriological assessment, the condition was found to be attributable to Clostridium in only 2 patients, and in the remainder the condition was non-clostridial. 5. The mortality rate was 15%. The patients who died were at least 80 years old, and their prognosis had been poor. 6. CT was useful for diagnosis and treatment.