Necrotizing fasciitis – Report of two unusual cases

Cervico-facial necrotizing fasciitis is a potential complication of odontogenic infection that can lead to mediastinitis and septic shock. A delay or inappropriate treatment of simple infections and immunocompromise increase the risk of developing the disease and in turn increase the morbidity and mortality of the disease. We present two cases one of which we believe developed due to delayed treatment and the other due to immunocompromise. Both cases were successfully treated with surgical debridement and broad spectrum antibiotics. There is need to rethink certain clinical judgments such as treatment during pregnancy and the usefulness of an informative medical history from patients.