Abstract
Nonclostridial gas phlegmon is often found in patients with diabetes, and may occasionally cause severe infections. We reported a case of severe nonclostridial gas phlegmon in the neck.
A 58-year-old male with a history of diabetes visited Aichi Medical University complaining of erythema, swelling, and warmth in his neck as well as dysphagia. Epiglottitis was noted endoscopically, and a gas phlegmon in the neck and chest were diagnosed on CT scan. The patient received a tracheotomy and antibiotics immediately. A mediastinal abscess occurred in the fifth day, and an incision for drainage was performed. From the abcess were cultured γ-streptococci and peptostreptococcus. Symptoms improved by the tenth day. Nonclostridial gas phlegmon responds poorly to antibiotics, so cases of deep neck clostridium infection require early surgical treatment and good diabetic control.
