Abstract
We report the case of a patient who underwent treatment for phlegmon of the cheek and developed a cerebral infarction. We also review some relevant literature. An 88-year-old woman noticed swelling and experienced pain in her left mandible. The patient visited the cardiology department of a nearby general hospital. After examination, she was diagnosed with exacerbated heart failure and was admitted to the hospital. Although anti-inflammatory treatment was administered, no improvement was observed in her symptoms, so she was referred to our hospital for a more detailed examination and further treatment. The patient was diagnosed with phlegmon of the left cheek and was admitted to our hospital. She was administered antibacterial drugs via an intravenous drip. On day 3 of hospitalization, she underwent extra-oral incision and drainage under general anesthesia. Her postoperative course was satisfactory, however, on day 13, severe right hemiplegia and aphasia were observed, and her consciousness level declined. She was diagnosed with cardiogenic cerebral embolism and was transferred to the neurosurgery department. She received antithrombotic therapy with warfarin. Poor control of perioperative anticoagulation ability was considered to be one cause of the cerebral infarction.
