OBJECTIVE: The treatment of deep neck space infections (DNSIs) remains a clinical challenge and these infections are associated with significant risks of mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed records over a 4.5-year period for all patients with DNSIs who required hospitalization. We recorded age, previous disease, delay in diagnosis, body temperature at admission, C-reactive protein level, X-ray results, location of DNSIs, origin of the infection, spread of infection, use of antibiotics, bacteriology, surgery and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients (average age 45 years) were included. The locations and spread of DNSIs were described in detail. The commonest origins of DNSIs were dental (n = 35) or salivary gland infections (n = 15). CONCLUSION: Continuous assessment of the patient using CT scans, fine-needle aspiration and physical examinations will determine if and when surgery is necessary. As a large number of DNSIs are of dental origin, it is of great importance that diagnosis and treatment be performed in close cooperation with dental surgeons.
OBJECTIVE: The treatment of deep neck space infections (DNSIs) remains a clinical challenge and these infections are associated with significant risks of mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed records over a 4.5-year period for all patients with DNSIs who required hospitalization. We recorded age, previous disease, delay in diagnosis, body temperature at admission, C-reactive protein level, X-ray results, location of DNSIs, origin of the infection, spread of infection, use of antibiotics, bacteriology, surgery and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients (average age 45 years) were included. The locations and spread of DNSIs were described in detail. The commonest origins of DNSIs were dental (n = 35) or salivary gland infections (n = 15). CONCLUSION: Continuous assessment of the patient using CT scans, fine-needle aspiration and physical examinations will determine if and when surgery is necessary. As a large number of DNSIs are of dental origin, it is of great importance that diagnosis and treatment be performed in close cooperation with dental surgeons.