Diffuse cervico-facial cellulitis: 32 cases in Libreville.

July 2011

Miloundja J, Assini Eyogho SF, Mandji Lawson JM, Ondounda M, Koumba JS, Lekassa P, Inibend M, N'zouba L.

Source

Hôpital d'instruction des armées Omar Bongo Ondimba Service d'ORL&CCF Libreville Gabon.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the predisposing factors and the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of diffuse cervico-facial cellulitis.

Material and methods: This retrospective study examined the records of all 32 patients admitted to the ENT and cervico-facial department of the Omar Bongo Ondimba Army Teaching Hospital in Libreville with diffuse cervico-facial cellulitis, from January 2006 through December 2010.

Results: The study included 18 women (56%) and 14 men (44%) with a mean age of 28 years. At admission, 28 patients (87.5%) had already received anti-inflammatory drugs and 25 (78%) one or more antibiotics. Two patients were HIV+. The main route was dental for 21 patients (66%), tonsillar for 4 (13%), submandibular for 2 (6%), parotid for 2 cases (6%), cutaneous for 1 (3%) and unspecified in 2 more (6%). The cellulitis was pseudo-phlegmonous in 24 patients (75%) and gangrenous in 8 cases (25%). It extended to the mediastinum in six patients (19%). The bacteriological study, carried out in 24 cases (75%), found 14 cases of aerobic germs. Medical or medical and surgical treatment led to cure for 30 patients (94%). Two patients (6%) died.

Conclusion: Treatment of cervico-facial cellulitis must be early and multidisciplinary. Self-medication with anti-inflammatory drugs for bucco-pharyngeal infections without appropriate antibiotic treatment is the principal predisposing factor.

John Libbey Eurotext