[Necrotizing fasciitis due to a peritonsillar abscess].

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a potentially life-threatening complication of severe cervical soft tissue inflammation. The characteristic feature is the rapid spread of the infection, which descends and potentially leads to mediastinitis and sepsis.

Methods: Within a year, 4 patients with peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and necrotizing fasciitis were treated at Dessau Medical Center.