Deep neck space infection with airway edema and sepsis in a non diabetic patient: a case report

Abstract

Deep neck space infections (DNSIs) are serious clinical entities with the potential for rapid deterioration due to their anatomical proximity to critical cervical structures, making complications such as airway obstruction and sepsis particularly concerning. We present the case of a 55-year-old female who developed rapidly progressive bilateral swelling involving the parotid and submandibular regions, with extension to the chest and back. She had no history of diabetes mellitus or other significant comorbid illnesses. Her clinical course was marked by worsening laryngeal edema, respiratory distress, and features of sepsis, necessitating urgent airway stabilization. Surgical management with incision and drainage was performed, resulting in subsequent clinical improvement. This case demonstrates that severe DNSIs may arise even in the absence of traditional risk factors, and while contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) plays an important diagnostic role, priority should be given to airway security and timely clinical intervention in unstable patients.