6533b7cffe1ef96bd12584d8

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis and descending necrotizing mediastinitis in a patient affected by neglected peritonsillar abscess: a case of medical negligence.

Paolo ProcacciantiValentina TrioloAntonina ArgoStefania ZerboBono G

subject

Malemedicine.medical_specialtyMultiple Organ FailureDelayed diagnosisPathology and Forensic MedicineFatal OutcomeSettore MED/43 - Medicina LegaleAdrenal Cortex HormonesMalpracticemedicineHumansFasciitis NecrotizingPeritonsillar AbscessFasciitisForensic PathologyLymphatic DiseasesPatient affectedbusiness.industrySeptic shockMalpracticeGeneral MedicinePeritonsillar AbscessMiddle Agedmedicine.diseaseMediastinitisPeritonsillar abscess cervical necrotizing fasciitis medical negligenceSurgeryAnti-Bacterial AgentsMediastinitisItalyMedical negligencebusinessLaw

description

Abstract We report a case of fatal cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) and descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) due to primary peritonsillar abscess in 60-year-old male patient with no history or evidence of immunocompromising disorders. The patient was treated with antibiotic and corticosteroid drugs but he developed mediastinitis and septic shock and died of multiple organ failure six days later from recovery in hospital. After a clinical, diagnostic and therapeutical consideration of the cervical necrotizing fasciitis and some related risks of a delayed diagnosis and treatment, the authors analysed the clinical history of the patient and of the medical conduct pointing out professional malpractice chargeable to doctors.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2007-01-31Journal of forensic and legal medicine
10.1016/j.jflm.2007.12.008https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18586211