J Korean Assoc Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg.  2011 Sep;33(5):445-448.

Sepsis Developed from an Odontogenic Infection: Case Report

• Kim MS
• Kim SG
• Moon SY
• Oh JS
• Park JJ
• Jeong MA
• Yang SJ
• Jung JW
• Kim JS

Abstract

Mortality associated with maxillofacial infection is relatively low due to the development of antibiotics, and improved oral care. However, inappropriate treatment, delayed treatment, old age, underlying systemic disease, and drug-resistant micro-organisms can potentially result in life threatening situations such as cavernous sinus thrombosis, mediastinitis, and sepsis. Sepsis is the most dangerous state with high mortality, ranging from 20~60%. The treatment of sepsis involves properly monitoring vital functions, fluid resuscitation, surgical drainage, and empirical use of high doses of antibiotics until culture results are available. Ventilatory support maybe be required as well. We encountered a 64-year-old patient who died from sepsis that developed as the result of an odontogenic infection. The initial diagnosis was right temporal, infraorbital, buccal, pterygomandibular space abscess. Despite surgical and medical supportive care, the condition progressed to sepsis and after four days the patient died due to multiple organ failure.

Keyword

Abscess; Disseminated intravascular coagulation; Infection; Multiple organ failure

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Drainage
Humans
Mediastinitis
Middle Aged
Multiple Organ Failure
Resuscitation
Sepsis
Anti-Bacterial Agents