Gangrenous cervicofacial cellulitis from odontogenic infection: two clinical cases

David Hoarau,Narcisse Zwetyenga,Victorin Ahossi,Mireille Folia

doi:10.1051/mbcb/2018032

Abstract

Introduction: Cervicofacial cellulitis resulting from common odontogenic infections is rare but serious, with life-threatening complications and potential general or local complications. Observation: Two cases are discussed here. The first observed case concerned a 32-year-old patient, affected by gangrenous cellulitis, following the avulsion of teeth number 38. The second observed case was of a chronic periapical infection being left untreated. The urgency of these two cases required the coordination of medical and surgical specialist teams to ensure a stable and successful treatment, involving surgical treatment, drug therapy, and reanimation. Discussion: The inadequate treatment or chronic dental infections, associated with immunosuppression and some cofactors (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, pregnancy, etc.), can lead to severe case of cellulitis. Medical and surgical management should be carried out as soon as possible to prevent the onset of serious complications such as mediastinitis, septic shock, and thrombophlebitis.

Highlights

Gangrenous cervicofacial cellulitis is a cellulo-adipose tissue disorder of the face and neck related to a dental infection
Diffuse gangrenous cellulitis develops from polymicrobial flora where anaerobic flora predominates
A 68-year-old patient presented to the emergency department at the Auxerre Hospital Center for acute dental pain in the third quadrant, which had been increasing for 3 days

Summary

Short Case Report

Gangrenous cervicofacial cellulitis from odontogenic infection: two clinical cases. Abstract -- Introduction: Cervicofacial cellulitis resulting from common odontogenic infections is rare but serious, with life-threatening complications and potential general or local complications. The first observed case concerned a 32-year-old patient, affected by gangrenous cellulitis, following the avulsion of teeth number 38. The second observed case was of a chronic periapical infection being left untreated. The urgency of these two cases required the coordination of medical and surgical specialist teams to ensure a stable and successful treatment, involving surgical treatment, drug therapy, and reanimation. Discussion: The inadequate treatment or chronic dental infections, associated with immunosuppression and some cofactors (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, pregnancy, etc.), can lead to severe case of cellulitis. Medical and surgical management should be carried out as soon as possible to prevent the onset of serious complications such as mediastinitis, septic shock, and thrombophlebitis

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