Odontogenic necrotizing soft tissue infection of the scalp: A case report

Background Necrotizing soft tissue infections are uncommon bacterial infections characterized by necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous tissue. While rarely occurring in the head and neck, they most often spread inferiorly when associated with an odontogenic infection. Methods We present a rare case of a sixty-one-year-old male patient who developed a craniocervicofacial necrotizing soft tissue infection of odontogenic origin with extension to the scalp. Managed initially at a community hospital with access to the scalp via an anterior mid-forehead incision, the patient was eventually managed by our team with multiple soft tissue debridements and antimicrobial therapy. Results Aggressive surgical therapy and appropriate antimicrobial coverage resulted in resolution of the odontogenic necrotizing soft tissue infection of the scalp. Conclusions Given the destructive nature of the condition, aggressive surgical and antimicrobial therapy are crucial to minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with necrotizing soft tissue infections.