Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 3 Nov 2023

Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon but serious condition caused by rapidly spreading periorbital infection with the potential for progressive vascular thrombosis and subcutaneous necrosis.

The initial appearance may look like periorbital cellulitis although necrosis can quickly follow 4.

The most common precipitating event is considered minor penetrating or surgical trauma but in ~25% of cases no trigger can be identified. It can be bilateral in ~ 35% of cases 1.

It usually occurs from infection from beta-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes / group A streptococcus. Rarely other organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6 and herpes zoster7 have been reported.

  • may show diffuse edema around orbits +/- gas locules

Although periorbital necrotizing fasciitis is thought to carry a better prognosis than necrotizing fasciitis at other sites, (mortality rate 8.5% compared with 22%), it can still carry considerable morbidity:

Early surgical intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality.

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