[Neck phlegmon with an odontogenic cause].

BACKGROUND

When an odontogenic infection extends into the neck, a life-threatening situation may develop as a result from airway obstruction, sepsis or mediastinitis. However, this is quite rare. Prompt treatment is important to minimise these complications.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 49-year-old woman presented to the oral and maxillofacial surgery outpatient clinic of a general hospital with extensive abscesses in the neck after a molar extraction. Because of the aggressive course of the disease, the patient was transferred to a university hospital. After several surgeries, during which the neck was widely opened and drained, tracheostomy and admission to the intensive care department, the infection was under control.

CONCLUSION

In case of a patient with a progressive swelling in the neck, an odontogenic cause should be considered. When, in addition to the swelling, there are also signs of worsening, such as fever, swallowing problems and locked jaw, the patient should be urgently referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.