Complicated Odontogenic Cervicofacial Cellulitis in a Pregnant Woman: A Case Report

Cervicofacial cellulitis is a severe and sometimes fatal condition. We report the case of this disease in a 25-year-old woman, 32 weeks pregnant, living with HIV infection, who presented with shock and acute respiratory distress. Clinical examination revealed a left submandibular swelling with intraoral purulent discharge and signs of left pleural effusion syndrome. The diagnosis of severe odontogenic cellulitis with cervicothoracic extension was suspected. Obstetrical assessment revealed intrauterine fetal death. Management consisted of hemodynamic and respiratory resuscitation, which proved particularly challenging, especially regarding airway management. Empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated. Despite these measures, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to death secondary to refractory septic shock. Through this case and a review of the literature, we highlight the severity of this condition in pregnant women and the challenges of its management in a resource-limited setting.