An unusual presentation of cervical necrotizing fasciitis in an immunocompetent adult patient: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a sever and potentially fatal soft tissue infection, but its presentation in head and neck region is rare. Few reported cases of cervical necrotizing fasciitis secondary to tonsil infection were found in literature, which were proven to be dangerous life threatening condition.In this short communication, we are presenting a 35-year-old, immune-competent Saudi female patient. She was presented to our hospital with ill looking picture of right peritonsillar abscess with mild degree of trismus. Patient was admitted, IV antibiotic was started and CT scan neck showed pus in the left tonsil parenchyma and in right peritonsillar region, with cellulitis in right parapharyngeal region with no clear collection noticed within the neck spaces. Patient was taken to OR where pus in the left tonsil surface was noted and cleaned, and incision and drainage of right peritonsillar fossae was done, pus came out and gas bubbles noted along with necrotic fleshy tissue in the lower pole of the right tonsil from which multiple biopsies were taken. Patient had postoperative bleeding after 24 hours. CT scan was repeated and patient was taken for OR for debridement of necrotic tissue from right tonsil, and right neck exploration and debridement. Necrotic tissues medial to the right submandibular gland was seen and removed. The cultured swab and aspirated pus showed coagulase-negative staphylococcus, antibiotic was changed based on sensitivity results and she responded very well. She was discharged home post operatively in stable condition and was followed up for 18 months with no history of recurrent tonsillitis.