Cervicofacial Necrotizing Fasciitis Originating From Odontogenic Infections: A Report of Two Cases

Cureus. 2024 Sep 27;16(9):e70305. doi: 10.7759/cureus.70305. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is infrequently reported to originate from odontogenic infections. Even with such rarity, its development is potentially life-threatening. The current report aims to demonstrate how severe and risky the consequences of odontogenic infections are. This report presents two clinically diagnosed necrotizing fasciitis (NF) cases. The first case is a 33-year-old man suffering diffusing pain upon palpating submandibular regions with necrotic black skin after experiencing red skin and gaseous infiltration. He required skin grafting, post-healing esthetic surgeries. The second case is a 14-year-old girl with malnutrition who displayed evident necrosis in the soft tissue of the cervicofacial region. Bacteriological examinations were done, and intravenous antibiotic treatment was administered to the patient. This case highlights that dental infections are probably found to activate serious complications in certain cases; early clinical diagnosis is extremely essential in such cases. Besides, immediate surgical interference, accompanied by antibiotic therapy, plays a decisive role in treatment success.

Keywords: cervicofacial region; cnf; necrosis; necrotizing fasciitis; odontogenic infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports