Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, rapidly progressing soft tissue infection with high mortality, especially in the cervical region. Its early diagnosis and prompt intervention are crucial to preventing severe complications and improving patient outcomes.
Objective: To present a case of cervical NF caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, complicated by undiagnosed diabetes and rapid progression to septic shock.
Case presentation: This case report details a 34-year-old male who presented with confusion and decreased consciousness, later diagnosed with cervical NF caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Undiagnosed diabetes likely worsened the infection’s severity. Despite prompt surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated into septic shock and multi-organ failure, resulting in death. This case underscores the challenges in managing cervical NF, particularly in distinguishing NF from other neck infections, and accordingly appropriate medical, surgical intervention, and airway management. The involvement of Klebsiella pneumoniae highlights the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the presence of diabetic ketoacidosis complicated the clinical course.
Conclusion: This report emphasizes the critical importance of a multidisciplinary approach, early intervention, and management of underlying conditions to optimize outcomes in patients with NF, additionally, it underscores the need for ongoing research to advance diagnostic methods and improve treatment strategies.
Key words: Necrotizing fasciitis, cervical infection, Klebsiella pneumoniae, septic shock, case report, multidisciplinary management.
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