A case report of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in the head and neck

Abstract

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a rapidly advancing and deadly disease. We herein report a case of STSS from the head and neck region. A 79-year-old man presented with facial swelling and sore throat and went into septic shock 2 h after his visit. In response to his deep neck abscess, we performed emergency incision drainage. We suspected STSS based on the findings of a smear stain from the wound leachate and the rapid clinical course. Group A hemolytic streptococcus was detected from the bacterial culture of the wound leachate on the fourth day of the disease, leading to a definitive diagnosis. We suspected this disease early on, started appropriate antimicrobial administration, performed multidisciplinary treatment, such as respiratory circulation management and continuous hemodialysis filtration, and were ultimately able to save his life.