Deep neck space infection caused by IV-drug abuse.

Background: Despite the avalibility of antibiotics deep neck space infectio ns with anaerobic germs (ludwig's angina) still carry the potential for sig nificant morbidity and mortality with delayed treatment. Usually, odontogen ic infections with involvement of the submandibular space are the source of deep neck space infections in adults, whereas in the pediatric population the most common cause is acute tonsillitis with involvement of the peritons illar space. During the second half of this century intravenous drug abuser s appeared as a new group of patients at risk for deep neck space infection s. When peripheral veins sclerose the addicts feel it necessary to either i nject subcutaneously or use the major vessels of the neck and groin, intrav enous drug abusers injecting the major vessels of the neck risk delayed dia gnosis because of dissimulation of their injection practices. Dangerous com plications of deep neck space infections may be the result. Case: We report a clinical case with delayed diagnose and fatal outcome. Conclusion: Intra venous drug abuse is a rare cause for deep neck space infections but should be considered when swelling of the neck soft tissue of uncertain cause is presented. The search for the diagnose should not keep from taking quick th erapeutic steps.