COMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM ODONTOGENIC INFECTION: A CASE INVOLVING DEEP NECK SPACE AND MEDIASTINAL IMPLICATIONS

G. Dipalma1†, A.M. Inchingolo^1†, V.E. Spinelli^1†, G. Favia¹, F. Inchingolo^1*, F. Viapiano¹, S. Grasso², F. Murgolo², A. Innamorato², N.A.A. Quaranta³, A. Palermo4, A. Scarano⁵, L. Limongelli^1‡, and A.D. Inchingolo^1‡

¹Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy;
²Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Section of Anesthesia and Intensive Care,
University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy;
³DiBraiN Department of Translational Medicine and Neuroscience , University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy;
⁴College of Medicine and Dentistry, Birmingham, UK
⁵Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy

†These authors contributed equally to this work as first authors.
‡These authors contributed equally to this work as last authors.

*Correspondence to:
Francesco Inchingolo, DDS
Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine,
University of Bari “Aldo Moro”,
Bari, Italy
e-mail: francesco.inchingolo@uniba.it

Received: 16 November 2023 Accepted: 24 December 2023

ISSN 2975-044X (online) ISSN 2038-4106 (print) Copyright © by BIOLIFE 2024 This publication and/or article is for individual use only and may not be further reproduced without written permission from the copyright holder. Unauthorized reproduction may result in financial and other penalties. Disclosure: All authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

ABSTRACT

Odontogenic infections are a frequent illness that, if not treated right away, can swiftly spread to the rest of the body, and turn into infections that are life-threatening. As these infections may result in life-threatening consequences such airway obstruction, mediastinitis, sepsis, and respiratory distress syndrome, early identification and knowledge of the deep neck areas and fascial planes are essential. The use of regular therapy for localized or severe odontogenic infections with little risk is now possible because to advancements in medical treatments and antibiotics that have decreased morbidity and death rates. Here we report, a lower right canine abscess that started as a phlegmonous neck collection with mediastinal involvement in a 70-year-old man with multiple comorbidities. To control the infection and protect the airways, prompt surgical treatments were necessary. This included drainage, tracheostomy placement, and tooth extraction. In managing life-threatening deep-neck infections, the case emphasizes the value of early discovery, vigorous treatment, and multidisciplinary management. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatments depend greatly on knowledge of and use of trustworthy diagnostic techniques like CT scans and laboratory markers. To shorten hospital stays and speed patients’ recovery without raising risks, it is crucial to use broad-spectrum antibiotics, early surgical drainage, and adequate airway care.

KEYWORDS: odontogenic infection, oral health, oral surgery, dental abscess, dental infection control, phlegmon, head and neck infection, imaging, deep neck space infection