Necrotising fasciitis of the neck.

Necrotising fasciitis is a fulminant soft tissue infection that causes necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous tissue while sparing skin and muscle initially. It is most commonly seen in adults involving the perineum, extremities and and minal wall. Immunncompromised patients are at an increased risk of developing this infection. These infections require early diagnosis, aggressive surgical debridaient and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Mortality rates have been reported to be as high as 52 and 73% in general surgery literature.(Freuschtag et al, 1985., Rouse et at 1982).Necrotising fasciitis of the head and neck is rare. The commonest cause is secondary to denial infections. We report a case of necrotising fasciitis of the neck secondary to a peritonsillar abscess in a previously healthy individual. The pathogenesis and treatment of this fulminant infection are also discussed.