Cervicofacial Emphysema After Routine Dental Procedures: An Iatrogenic Complication or Odontogenic Infection with Necrotizing Fasciitis?

Aditi Mohankumar, Nnenna Ezeilo and Carol A Bauer

Department of Otolaryngology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, USA

^*Correspondance to: Aditi Mohankumar 

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Abstract:

A number of both infectious and non-infectious etiologies may result in cervicofacial emphysema. Iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema occurring afterdental instrumentation is usually a benign and self-limited process. However, it remains critical to rule out ominous causes of cervicofacial emphysema, namely necrotizing fasciitis. Here, we discuss the case of an individual with a history of recent dental procedures presenting with clinical and radiologic findings concerning for necrotizing fasciitis. Subsequent neck exploration was unremarkable, indicating the preceding dental instrumentation as the likely iatrogenic source of his extensive cervical subcutaneous emphysema. Therefore, we also discuss strategies to help differentiate necrotizing fasciitis from other benign causes of cervical emphysema.

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Cite the Article:

Mohankumar A, Ezeilo N, Bauer CA. Cervicofacial Emphysema After Routine Dental Procedures: An Iatrogenic Complication or Odontogenic Infection with Necrotizing Fasciitis?. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2016; 1: 1181.