ABSTRACT

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is characterized with rapid involvement of soft tissues and fascias and could be fatal if not treated properly. Our patient had history of larynx cancer. He had a tracheostomy and developed NF of the neck and upper mediastinum which is a very rare complication of tracheostomy.

The patient was referred for a Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) scan after suspicion of residual lesion on follow up computed tomography (CT). On fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT images there was moderate increased uptake at the anterior glottic region, in line with residual disease. PET/CT scan showed progression of the NF involving the neck and upper mediastinum compared to the CT scan performed 10 days before. On PET/CT a new pulmonary abscess was also noted in the lower lobe of the left lung.

In our case FDG PET/CT played an effective role in the follow up of oncologic disorders. It was also useful in the follow up and treatment response of NF, which is a rare but potentially fatal infectious and inflammatory disorder. Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) could be preferred in the follow up of serious infectious conditions accompanying primary malignancy

Keywords: Necrotizing Fasciitis, 18F-FDG, PET / CT, Inflammation