Periorbital Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Streptococcus Viridians

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life threatening soft tissue infection characterized by necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous tissue. If this disease is misdiagnosed and mistreated, because of the fast spreading, it can lead to death. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and surgical debridement is necessary and lifesaving in this disease. In uncomplicated cases and early stages of the disease it can be treated only with intravenous antibiotics. This study presents a 70-year-old female, farmer who approached in our clinic with edema of periorbital region and a minor trauma in her lower eyelid. First skin anthrax of eyelids was considered in differential diagnosis, because the patient was in contact with animals. Culture taken from the wound resulted positive for Streptococcus viridians α hemolytic Streptococcus: the viridians group. Treatment with Ceftriaxone + Penicillin was initiated immediately. Patient responded to intravenous antibiotics and after 2 days the edema began to regress. After 2 weeks patient was discharged from the hospital and the clinical outcome was satisfactory. Based on this case early diagnosed necrotizing fasciitis may be treated only with antibiotics.