Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a culprit of cervical necrotizing fasciitis: A case report

• Published in: International journal of surgery case reports 2022-10, Vol.99, p.107713, Article 107713
• Main Authors: Chaurasiya, Prem Shankar, Gurung, Shekhar, Karki, Saurab, Timilsina, Bibek, Shah, Ravikant, Neupane, Sandesh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Report; Diabetic ketoacidosis; Necrotizing fasciitis; pseudomonas aeruginosa
• ISSN: 2210-2612; 2210-2612
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107713

Necrotizing fasciitis is usually a polymicrobial infection and odontogenic source is usually the foci for infection in the neck region. Cervical necrotizing fasciitis due to Pseudomonas is a rare and potentially fatal complication in diabetic patients. The study highlights the importance of early intervention to improve the outcome of the patient. We report a case of a 48-year female who presented with neck pain for 10 days. On further investigations, she had diabetic ketoacidosis, and a culture of the wound showed Pseudomonas. With appropriate antibiotics and surgical intervention, her condition gradually improved. Necrotizing fasciitis in the neck region with Pseudomonas without odontogenic infections is a rare occurrence. Early medical and surgical intervention leads to a better outcome. The location of the infection and its extensions can affect the prognosis. Physicians should be aware of cervical necrotizing fasciitis as a complication in diabetic ketoacidosis and install early treatment to improve survivability and the outcome. •The hallmark of necrotizing fasciitis is the extensive necrosis of subcutaneous tissue and underlying fascia.•Cervical necrotizing fasciitis without contiguous spread is a rare occurrence.•Early surgical intervention can lead to better outcome of the patient.