Keywords
pyothorax
pericarditis
mediastinitis
dental caries
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction :
cervicofacial cellulitis of dental origin is a severe and extensive infectious emergency affecting the deep tissues of the face and neck. The objective of this report was to describe the management of a diffuse cellulitis complicated by pleuropneumopathy, pericarditis, and mediastinitis of dental origin at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital Center.
Case report :
a 40-year-old male patient, with no known medical history, was admitted with a submental swelling that had spread to the cervicothoracic region, following a neglected left molar toothache evolving over 10 days. Clinical examination revealed trismus, facial swelling with subcutaneous crepitus, and a cutaneous fistula. Laboratory findings showed hyperleukocytosis, and imaging identified a carious lesion on tooth 38. Emergency management included resuscitation, surgical drainage, empiric antibiotic therapy, and delayed tooth extraction. The clinical course was marked by the development of mediastinitis, pericarditis, and pyothorax, which were managed by repeated drainage procedures. The patient showed favorable clinical and radiological improvement and was discharged on day 30.
Conclusion :
this case illustrates the potential severity of untreated odontogenic infections, particularly their ability to spread to the thoracic region. Prompt management combining surgical drainage, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and close monitoring remains essential to improve prognosis.
References
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Copyright (c) 2025 T Salissou Souleymane, M Idani, A Djafarou, M Dargani, K Kadre Alio, M Millogo, T Konsem