Cervical necrotizing fasciitis in children under two years of age

We present two cases of life-threatening, necrotizing infections of the head and neck region, a rare infectious process in young children, that progressed to bacteremia and sepsis in two toddlers. To date there have been no reports of cervical necrotizing fasciitis in toddlers under two years of age. Immunocompromised children may be at higher risk for developing fulminent infections. Optimal management requires a combination of medical and surgical interventions. An aggressive surgical approach may be required to adequately clear the infection.