Cervical necrotizing fasciitis with upper trunk extension

Abstract 

A 49-year-old patient presented with an unusual case of cervical necrotizing fasciitis that extended subacutely to the upper trunk. The source of the infection was unknown. The patient had a markedly protracted course and had severe complications, including pneumonia, septic shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Following surgical debridement, split thickness skin grafting was performed from the neck to the anterior chest wall; a subcutaneous area on the back was debrided, the skin was not affected and the area healed like a bipedicled flap. This paper also focuses on the importance of intense supportive care and the clinical utility of intravenous human immunoglobulin.