Early stage of necrotizing Fasciitis of Odontogenic Origin in non-Immunocompromised Patient- An Atypical case report

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck is a rapidly spreading, polymicrobial superficial infectious disease spreading along fascial planes leading to necrosis of tissues with sparing of muscles and bone. It is a very rare but life-threatening infection with high mortality rate commonly literature in the extremities, abdominal wall, and perineum but rarely seen in the head and neck. We report a rare case of early stage of necrotising fasciitis in 53 year old non-immunocompromised patient involving right facial region having odontogenic origin and which was first diagnosed as a multiple space infection preceded by periapical abscess from a carious tooth. The diagnosis of Necrotising fasciitis must always be considered in a patient who presents with a history of oral infection with evidence of rapid spread facial swelling with pain. Delay in diagnosis is believed to be the most likely reason for the high mortality rate.