Septicemic Melioidosis Presenting as Head and Neck Abscesses / 감염과화학요법

Melioidosis is a life-threatening disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei , which is endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. It may manifest as a pulmonary lesion, osteomyelitis, septicemia, or abscesses of soft tissue or various organs. However, soft tissue abscess associated with bacteremia, especially those found in the head and neck, are rarely reported. We report a case of disseminated septicemia due to Burkholderia pseudomallei presenting as head and neck abscesses in a 55-year-old Korean man with a history of working in Malaysia. This is the first report of fatal melioidosis presenting as a complicated skin and soft tissue infection, in Korea.

Submasseteric abscess: A rare head and neck abscess.

The objective of the article is to highlight and make people aware of a rare abscess which is often missed or misdiagnosed. As only a few cases have been reported, the authors feel that reporting such a case would help in proper management of the disease. We are presenting a 6.5-year-old male child with 3 weeks history of right facial swelling in the parotid region, with low-grade fever and trismus. Submasseteric abscess is a rare abscess which is often misdiagnosed as a parotid abscess or parotitis. Only a few cases have been reported. The cause is mostly dental in origin. Intravenous antibiotics often fail to alleviate the symptoms as this is a closed space and needs prompt drainage. Therefore, awareness of this complication of dental infections is vital for proper diagnosis and timely management.