Orbital necrotizing fasciitis is a rare condition that can be life-threatening.
Infection may arise within the orbit or may spread from elsewhere in the head and neck (odontogenic, oropharynx, sinusitis, other).
Clinical features:
(1) rigors
(2) fever
(3) eye pain
(4) orbital swelling
(5) tachycardia
(6) dusky discoloration of the eyelids
(7) reduced visual acuity
(8) limited extraocular mobility
(9) variable proptosis
(10) variable elevation of intraocular pressure
(11) variable orbital compartment syndrome
Biopsy of affected tissue shows necrotizing inflammation, while cultures are positive.
Complications:
(1) death
(2) cavernous sinus thrombosis
(3) blindness
(4) osteomyelitis
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases