TITLE:
Cervicothoracic Extensive Odontogenic Necrotizing Fasciitis, a Serious Disease: Cases Reports
AUTHORS:
Romaric Beheton, Arsene Coulibaly, Alexis Do Santos Zounon, Sylvie Arlette Bancole Pognon, Youness Farhane, Romaric Degan, Ulrich Bidossessi Vodouhe
KEYWORDS:
Necrotizing Fasciitis, Cervicothoracic, Developing Countries, Honey Dressing, Case Report
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.1,
January
8,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, rapidly progressing infection of soft tissues that spreads along fascial planes, characterized by extensive necrosis and intense systemic signs. While these conditions are rare in developed countries, they unfortunately remain prevalent in our developing nations. We present the follow-up of two cases of cervicothoracic necrotizing fasciitis. Methods: Two patients were followed for cervithoracic necrosis following cellulitis of dental origin. Results: The first case involved a 63-year-old, long-term corticosteroid-treated smoker, admitted for cervicothoracic inflammatory swelling, following dental pain. Explorations concluded with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, leading to surgical debridement and tooth extraction. The resulting tissue loss initially underwent honey-directed healing and subsequently a split-thickness skin graft. The patient’s condition improved favorably. The second case was a 57-year-old poorly managed diabetic female presenting cervicothoracic inflammatory swelling due to dental issues, where necrotizing fasciitis was suspected. Surgical debridement, incision, drainage, and tooth extraction were performed. The resulting tissue loss underwent honey-directed healing with a positive outcome. Conclusions: Necrotizing fasciitis remains widespread, and involvement of the cervicothoracic regions can have a dramatic course. Despite limited resources, the complex management of these cases can yield satisfactory results.