Necrotising fasciitis of odontogenic origin

Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis after topical application of herbal medicine

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis represents an aggressive form of deep neck space infection with a high mortality rate. The origin is generally odontogenic, in most cases, resulting from a dental abscess. A series of three cases developed after local application of herbal medicine in patients with no co-morbidities and with a history of a toothache in the lower quadrants for >2 weeks is presented. All patients were managed with antibiotics, extraction of offending tooth and serial wound debridement. Two patients recovered with a resultant skin defect on the neck and one died due to multiple organ failure. This case series demonstrated that early diagnosis, prompt surgical intervention and appropriate medical treatment are very important to increase patient survival. Late report to hospital because of financial constraints and over-reliance on herbal preparation could lead to the development of serious complication in patients with dental infections and could even lead to death of the patient.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a case of cervical abscess extending to anterior mediastinum, with isolation of Prevotella corporis

We present a case of an odontogenic abscess, first spreading at the lateral cervical level and then in mediastinum. We isolated an anaerobic bacterium, Prevotella corporis, rarely documented in literature. The mortality rates of cervical abscesses secondary to odontogenic infections and complicated by mediastinitis vary from 10% to 40%. Treatment of descending mediastinitis involves multidisciplinary teams such as otorhinolaryngology, thoracic surgeons, infectious disease physicians, anesthetists and intensivists. Due to the combined treatment with surgical drainage within 48 hours of hospitalisation, antibiotics and subsequent hyperbaric oxygen therapy, we have achieved complete recovery of the patient.

Odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis: a systematic review of the literature

Background

While odontogenic soft tissue infections of the head and neck are common, progression to necrotizing fasciitis is relatively rare. Necrotizing fasciitis is a potentially life-threatening and rapidly progressive soft tissue infection that can lead to significant skin and soft tissue loss, mediastinitis, vascular thrombosis or rupture, limb loss, organ failure, and death.

Methods

A PubMed literature search was conducted for case reports and case series on odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis. Individual patient data was analyzed and compiled and demographic, treatment, microbiology, and mortality data were extracted. Fisher’s exact test was used to examine the relationship between death from odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis and diabetes mellitus (DM) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity.

Results

A total of 58 studies totaling 164 patients were identified. Thirty-three patients had DM and 3 were HIV +. All patients underwent aggressive surgical debridement and treatment with IV antibiotics. Twenty patients were also treated with hyperbaric oxygen. There were 16 deaths reported, for a mortality rate of 9.8%. The mortality rate among patients with DM was 30.3 and 0% among HIV positive patients. There was a statistically significant increase in the mortality rate in DM patients with odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis (p = 0.0001, odds ratio for death 9.1).

Conclusions

Necrotizing fasciitis arising from odontogenic infection is a rapidly progressive and life-threatening illness. Prompt recognition of the infection, aggressive and often serial surgical debridement, and aggressive broad-spectrum antibiotics are necessary to prevent serious morbidity and mortality. Patients with diabetes mellitus are at a significantly increased risk of death from odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis.

Epidemiology, Microbiology and Antibiotic Sensitivity of Odontogenic Space Infections in Central India

Introduction

Odontogenic infections are the most commonly encountered orofacial infections, which may spread into the adjacent anatomical spaces along the contiguous fascial planes, leading to involvement of multiple spaces which can progress to life-threatening situations.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study was carried out on 100 consecutive cases of odontogenic infections treated at our institute over a period of 18 months by surgical intervention and intravenous antibiotics. Morphologic study of the isolates and antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed.

Results

Caries was the most frequent dental disease (53.27%), and the mandibular first molar was the most frequently involved tooth (41.9%) associated with the etiology of odontogenic infections. A total of 158 spaces were involved in 100 patients. In subjects with single space odontogenic infections (n = 61), submandibular space was most commonly affected (44.26%) followed by buccal space (27%). In subjects with multiple space infections (n = 39), submandibular space (30.19%) was most frequently involved followed by buccal space (17.92%). In the aerobic group/microaerophilic group, 17 different species were isolated in a total of 102 aerobic isolates. A total of 18 species were identified in 65 anaerobic isolates sampled.

Conclusion

Amoxicillin possess antimicrobial activity against major pathogens in orofacial odontogenic infections, but β-lactamase production has restricted the effectiveness of amoxicillin against the resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides, Prevotella and Porphyromonas. For the management of orofacial infections, the use of amoxicillin/clavulanate and clindamycin is recommended because of stability against β-lactamases.

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis and acute mediastinitis of odontogenic origin: A case series

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon infection. Early signs and symptoms include fever, severe pain and swelling, and redness at the wound site. Moreover, fulminant evolution and high mortality rate are typical of this pathology. In the present report we describes three cases of cervical necrotizing fasciitis complicated by acute mediastinitis. All patients were apparently immunocompetent adults. The main aim of the present report is to show the serious consequences that a dental infection might trigger. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in these cases. The constant interaction between different medical specialties is essential for ensuring a proper management of each case.

Key words:Cervical necrotizing fasciitis, acute mediastinitis, odontogenic origin , multidisciplinary approach.

Necrotising fasciitis due to an infected sebaceous cyst

The current case presents a patient who was admitted to our hospital with the diagnosis of cellulitis of the right groin. In the following days, the patient's condition deteriorated and developed a septic shock. Exploration in the operating room showed a necrotising fasciitis of the adductor muscles, with an infected sebaceous cyst in the inguinal crest as port d'entrée. After extensive surgical debridement, antibiotic therapy, haemodynamic and respiratory support, the patient recovered. Necrotising fasciitis is a rare but very lethal condition, which necessitates aggressive surgical therapy and antibiotic support. The current case report is the first report to show a necrotising fasciitis due to an infected sebaceous cyst.