Sepsis Developed from an Odontogenic Infection: Case Report

ABSTRACT

Mortality associated with maxillofacial infection is relatively low due to the development of antibiotics, and improved oral care. However, inappropriate treatment, delayed treatment, old age, underlying systemic disease, and drug-resistant micro-organisms can potentially result in life threatening situations such as cavernous sinus thrombosis, mediastinitis, and sepsis. Sepsis is the most dangerous state with high mortality, ranging from 20~60%. The treatment of sepsis involves properly monitoring vital functions, fluid resuscitation, surgical drainage, and empirical use of high doses of antibiotics until culture results are available. Ventilatory support maybe be required as well. We encountered a 64-year-old patient who died from sepsis that developed as the result of an odontogenic infection. The initial diagnosis was right temporal, infraorbital, buccal, pterygomandibular space abscess. Despite surgical and medical supportive care, the condition progressed to sepsis and after four days the patient died due to multiple organ failure.