Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Head and Neck: Surgical Outcomes in Three Cases
- Author:
Mohd Mokhtar Shaariyah
;
Mat Baki Marina
;
Mohd Yunus Mohd Razif
;
Ami Mazita
;
Sabir Husin Athar Primuharsa Putra
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
mastoidectomy, necrotizing fasciitis, otitis media, medical sciences
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2010;17(2):51-55
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck is a rare, rapidly progressive infection involving
the skin, subcutaneous tissue and fascia. We report three cases of necrotizing fasciitis that differ in
their presentation and outcome. The first case involves a patient who presented with progressively
enlarging anterior neck swelling that was later complicated by dehydration and reduced
consciousness. The second case is a patient with neck swelling and ipsilateral otorrhea. The third
case concerns a patient with a buccal ulcer complicated by ipsilateral facial swelling. All of them
underwent a fasciotomy with wound debridement with the addition of a cortical mastoidectomy
in the second case. Two of these patients recovered well. Unfortunately, the third case succumbed
to death due to airway compromise and septicaemia. We advocate the importance of eradicating
the source of infection followed by frequent, meticulous wound dressing and strict blood sugar
control to obtain better outcomes in managing necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck. However,
involvement of the airway carries a grave prognosis despite aggressive treatment.
- Full text:W020151022429917849729.pdf
