Cervical necrotizing fasciitis: sources and outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Abscesses of the peritonsillar region are among the most common deep abscesses of the head and neck. However, cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) associated with a peritonsillar abscess is an extremely rare condition, with only 12 well-documented cases described.

PATIENTS: We reviewed and compared all 12 cases of CNF arising from peritonsillar abscesses, including our own case. CNF that developed after peritonsillar abscesses was also compared with that developing predominantly after odontogenic infection.

RESULTS

The overall mortality was higher in the group with peritonsillar abscesses (33% vs 25%).

CONCLUSION

It is probable that of all cases of CNF, that arising from peritonsillar abscess has the worst prognosis.