Extensive Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Neck: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis of the neck and chest wall is a very rare, aggressive

infection with high morbidity and mortality. It caused a severe soft tissue

infection involving subcutaneous tissue and fascial planes. This

infection is more prone in patients with impaired immune systems. Its

aggressiveness can also be rapidly fatal, thus requiring aggressive

medical and surgical therapy to improve the prognosis. We present a

case of a young man with no comorbidities who had an extensive

submandibular abscess with necrotizing fasciitis of the neck, anterior

chest wall, and descending mediastinitis. Computed tomography of the

neck and thorax showed evidence of the initial diagnosis. He was treated

with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement

of the neck and anterior chest wound. After the surgery, his condition

rapidly improved, and he was discharged after a week. The wound was

healed after a month of daily dressing.