Cervical necrotizing fasciitis: report of 6 cases and review of literature.
OBJECTIVE
Necrotizing fasciitis in the cervical region is a rare entity, characterized by a fulminant infection that causes extensive necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and fascial planes, with high mortality and morbidity rates. The origin is generally odontogenic or pharyngeal, involving a mixed flora of microorganisms. Descending infection and mediastinal involvement are usually associated and are the main complications. The aim of the present study was to review the cases treated in our department and analyze diagnosis and treatment, supplementing the understanding of the disease.


METHODS
A retrospective study was performed on the clinical records of patients admitted to our center between January 2005 and June 2010 with diagnosis of necrotizing cervical fasciitis.


RESULTS
Six clinical records were reviewed. The origin of the infection was mainly oropharyngeal and odontogenic, with a mixed flora of Prevotella, Peptostreptococcus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. All patients presented mediastinal involvement: superior mediastinitis in 4 patients and superior and postero-inferior mediastinitis in 2 cases. All patients underwent early drainage by bilateral cervicotomy with mediastinal drainage by a cervical approach in those with superior mediastinal affection, and associated thoracotomy, in a single surgical step, for postero-inferior mediastinitis. Temporary tracheotomy was performed in all cases. All received broad spectrum antibiotics, with a medium hospital stay of 37 days. There were no deaths reported.


CONCLUSION
Concerning cervical necrotizing fasciitis, early diagnosis and surgical treatment associated to antibiotics and intensive medical care are essential to obtain a favorable outcome.
['Cruz Toro|P|P|', 'Callejo Castillo|À|À|', 'Tornero Saltó|J|J|', 'González Compta|X|X|', 'Farré|A|A|', 'Maños|M|M|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents D016866:Bacteroidaceae Infections D004322:Drainage D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing D005260:Female D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections D006801:Humans D007902:Length of Stay D008297:Male D008480:Mediastinitis D008875:Middle Aged D009059:Mouth Diseases D010462:Peptostreptococcus D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases D018720:Prevotella D012189:Retrospective Studies D013203:Staphylococcal Infections D013908:Thoracotomy D014140:Tracheotomy
Cervical necrotizing fasciitis Mediastinitis