Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis: trivial facial injury resulting in cardiac arrest.

Facial injuries in the context of alcohol abuse are a common presentation to casualty departments. While the majority are self limiting, the presence of periorbital or facial oedema should alert physicians to the development of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis. Here, a case illustrates this unusual manifestation of streptococcal infection, and emphasises the rapid onset and devastating systemic and local cosmetic consequences of this condition.