Abstract
The aim of this clinical study was to find similarities; dissimilarities of neck space infections along with challenges faced by treating physician for their diversified clinical presentations and complications. Patients with neck space infections were compared for the purpose. The classic manifestations of these infections, such as high fever, systemic toxicity, and local signs were not present in all cases leading to dilemma in physician’s decision making. They progress towards fatality very fast. Prompt recognition, diagnosis and management of such cases and complications are of paramount importance to reduce morbidity and mortality. In addition to broad spectrum antibiotic therapy along airway protection, surgical drainage is necessary in nearly all cases. Neck space infections still continue to be a well prevalent health problem in poor socioeconomic group in developing countries having significant morbidity as well as mortality.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Chow AW (2005) Life-threatening infections of the head, neck, and upper respiratory tract. In: Hall JB, Schmidt GA, Wood LD (eds) Principles of critical care, 3rd edn. McGraw-Hill, New York, p 881
Har-El G, Aroesty JH, Shaha A, Lucente FE (1994) Changing trends in deep neck abscess: a retrospective study of 110 patients. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 77:446–450
Parhiscar A, Har-El G (2001) Deep neck abscess: a retrospective review of 210 cases. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 110:1051–1054
Lindner HH (1986) The anatomy of the fasciae of the face and neck with particular reference to the spread and treatment of intraoral infections (Ludwig’s) that have progressed into adjacent fascial spaces. Ann Surg 204:705–714
Mihos P, Potaris K, Gakidis I et al (2004) Management of descending necrotizing mediastinitis. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 62:966–972
Foroulis CN, Sileli MN (2011) Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: review of the literature and controversies in management. Open Surg J 5:12–18
Colmenero Ruiz C, Labajo AD,Yañez Vilas I, Paniagua J (1993) Thoracic complications of deeply situated serous neck infections. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 21(2):76–81
Huang TT, Liu TC, Chen PR (2004) Deep neck infection: analysis of 185 cases. Head Neck 26(10):854–860
Mao JC, Carron MA, Fountain KR, Stachler RJ, Yoo GH, Mathog RH et al (2009) Craniocervical necrotizing fasciitis with and without thoracic extension: management strategies and outcome. Am J Otolaryngol 30(1):17–23
Rana K, Rathor PK, Wadhwa V, Kumar S (2013) Deep neck infections: continuing burden in developing world. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 3(1):6–9
Chueng K, Clinkard DJ, Enepekides D, Peerbaye Y, Lin VY (2012) An unusual presentation of Ludwig’s angina complicated by cervical necrotizing fasciitis: a case report and review of the literature. Case Rep Otolaryngol. doi:10.1155/2012/931350
Ovassapian A, Tuncbilek M, Weitzel EK, Joshi CW (2005) Airway management in adult patients with deep neck infections: a case series and review of the literature. Anesth Analg 100:585–589
Potter JK, Herford AS, Ellis E III (2002) Tracheotomy versus endotracheal intubation for airway management in deep neck space infections. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 60:349–354
Conflict of interest
None.
Consent from patient
Both verbal as well as written consent taken from the patient and patient party.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Laskar, H.A., Karim, H.M.R., Jamil, M. et al. Diversified and Unusual Presentations of Neck Space Infections: Still a Big Concern for Physicians. J. Maxillofac. Oral Surg. 14, 935–942 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-015-0757-6
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-015-0757-6