Background: Deep neck infections (DNIs) are serious suppurative processes within the fascial planes of the neck, often originating from odontogenic or oropharyngeal sources. They pose a significant risk due to their potential for rapid progression, airway compromise, and life-threatening complications like mediastinitis and sepsis.
Aim: This article provides a comprehensive clinical overview of DNIs for healthcare professionals, covering etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and evidence-based management strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Methods: The review synthesizes current medical knowledge, highlighting that DNIs are typically polymicrobial, involving oral flora such as streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobes. Diagnosis relies on a high clinical suspicion based on history and physical exam, confirmed primarily with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) to localize abscesses and define anatomical extent. Laboratory markers like elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) aid in severity assessment.
Results: Management is multidisciplinary. The cornerstone treatment involves prompt administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and timely surgical or image-guided drainage of established abscesses. Securing the airway is the paramount initial priority in cases of potential compromise.
Conclusion: DNIs represent a medical emergency requiring swift diagnosis and aggressive management. A coordinated interprofessional approach is essential for successful outcomes, emphasizing early imaging, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, source control, and vigilant airway management to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Naseeb, G., Alanazi, M. A., Almasoudi, . T., Alanazi, N. A. S., Alanazi, A. O., Almohammed, Z. Z., Khrami, F. A., Alotaibi, B. M., Albalawi, . M., & Al Hamad, R. H. (2025). Comprehensive Clinical Insights into the Diagnosis, Management, and Interprofessional Approaches to Deep Neck Infections for Healthcare Professionals. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 68(13), 1301-1311. doi: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.400755.12004
MLA
Ghadah Mousa Naseeb; Mona Awadh Alanazi; Fatimah Tuwaileh Almasoudi; Najla Awadh Sattam Alanazi; Amirah Oudah Alanazi; Zaina Zaki Almohammed; Fatmah Ali Khrami; Bader Majed Alotaibi; Ilham Muhammad Albalawi; Ramzi Hasan Al Hamad. "Comprehensive Clinical Insights into the Diagnosis, Management, and Interprofessional Approaches to Deep Neck Infections for Healthcare Professionals", Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 68, 13, 2025, 1301-1311. doi: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.400755.12004
HARVARD
Naseeb, G., Alanazi, M. A., Almasoudi, . T., Alanazi, N. A. S., Alanazi, A. O., Almohammed, Z. Z., Khrami, F. A., Alotaibi, B. M., Albalawi, . M., Al Hamad, R. H. (2025). 'Comprehensive Clinical Insights into the Diagnosis, Management, and Interprofessional Approaches to Deep Neck Infections for Healthcare Professionals', Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 68(13), pp. 1301-1311. doi: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.400755.12004
VANCOUVER
Naseeb, G., Alanazi, M. A., Almasoudi, . T., Alanazi, N. A. S., Alanazi, A. O., Almohammed, Z. Z., Khrami, F. A., Alotaibi, B. M., Albalawi, . M., Al Hamad, R. H. Comprehensive Clinical Insights into the Diagnosis, Management, and Interprofessional Approaches to Deep Neck Infections for Healthcare Professionals. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 2025; 68(13): 1301-1311. doi: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.400755.12004
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