J Korean Assoc Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg.  2010 Jan;32(1):62-67.

THE SUPERFICIAL AND DEEP SPREADING PATHWAYS OF INFECTION OF THE MAXILLOFACIAL AND NECK AREA: REPORTS OF 2 CASES

• Lee JK
• Choi BJ
• Kim YG
• Lee BS
• Kwon YD
• Kim YR

Abstract

The spreading pathways which is the cause of infection on head and neck area are submandibular space, masticatory space, parapharyngeal space, retropharyngeal space, carotid sheath and mediastinum, etc. If spread to parapharyngeal area involving airway, such infection can be life-threatening by airway obstruction, or can cause vascular injury followed by hemorrhage, nerve injuries. Also, if spread to superficially, necrotizing fasciitis and many complications may occur including gangrene of skin. The key to successful treatment of infection on head and neck area is recognition of spreading pathways, early diagnosis and following therapeutic management. Our department present two cases, one is infection progressed superficially to suprasternal space, another is spreading deep according to parapharyngeal space, subclavian space and carotid sheath followed by airway obstruction, and obtained significant results with surgical incision and drainage, administration of selected antibiotics, continuous post-operative treatment. We report these 2 cases with literatures review.

Keyword

Necrotizing fasciitis; Deep neck infection; Space abscess

MeSH Terms

Airway Obstruction
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Drainage
Early Diagnosis
Fasciitis, Necrotizing
Gangrene
Head
Hemorrhage
Mediastinum
Neck
Skin
Vascular System Injuries
Anti-Bacterial Agents