Cervical necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection that results in nec rosis of the fasciae and subcutaneous tissues; the infection can quickly pr ove fatal. Although involvement of the head and neck is rare, causes are us ually odontogenic or pharyngeal but can also be insect bites, local trauma, burns or surgery. We present a clinical case of a 31-year-old Italian woma n with cervical necrotizing fasciitis having an uncommon presentation. Whil e under treatment, the patient's husband was admitted for necrotizing fasci itis of the medial fasciae of his left leg subsequent to an insect sting. T he causes, diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis are reviewed.