Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis: A case report

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but rapidly progressive condition, with a high morbidity and mortality rate. This rapidly spreading soft tissue infection rarely occurs in the head and neck region, and when it does it is most caused by odontogenic origin. A variety of host factors such as immune status, hygienic practices and socio-economic status are role players in the disease process. This case report documents a 38-year old male who presented with cervical necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin. The patient was managed and stabilized through removal of the necrotic tissue, extraction of all carious teeth, and optimization of the overall medical health status of the patient. HIV is widely prevalent in South Africa and therefore the patient consented to HIV testing, this alluded to an undiagnosed HIV positive status.