Prise en charge des cellulites maxillofaciales

Cervical and facial cellulitis that more commonly occurs in young adults, originates from an odontogenic or an oropharyngeal infection. Diffusion occurs through cervical fascias. The diagnosis must be established rapidly with the help of clinical and computed tomography of the neck and chest data because of the risk of mediastinitis, airway obstruction, jugular vein thrombosis and pneumonia. Extension of the process is evaluated on a CT-scan of the neck and the thorax. Treatment is based on broad-spectrum antibiotics, and surgery that consists in cervical and occasional thoracic drainage. Difficult ventilation and airway management must be anticipated before anaesthesia.