Periocular necrotizing fasciitis: a review of five cases.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study is to display a spectrum of clinical presentations of periocular necrotizing fasciitis caused by group A streptococci and to discuss recent trends and treatment of this disease.

DESIGN AND INTERVENTION: A case series of five patients (four female and one male) was seen between July 1990 and January 1995 in four university centers. All had clinical evidence of periocular necrotizing fasciitis and grew group A streptococci on wound cultures or had serologic evidence of streptococcal infection. Details of patient presentation, treatment, and outcome are examined.

RESULTS

The five patients showed a spectrum of clinical severity from a necrotizing infection confined to the eyelid to a potentially fatal, severe shock-like syndrome characterized by sepsis and multiorgan system failure. A history of trauma often was absent. Patients were treated successfully by a combination of appropriate antibiotics and surgical debridement.

CONCLUSIONS

Group A streptococci can cause severe necrotizing infections of the eyelids. Early recognition and prompt treatment can be essential to these patients' survival.