This 46-year-old man is in the intensive care unit (ICU) with septicemia. What do you see?
Analysis
Here, we can see necrotizing fasciitis of the eye.
It is usually caused by a pyogenic bacterial infection with Group A ß-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes. Facial involvement is rare, with cases typically occurring in the setting of trauma, insect bite, or recent surgery in a patent with alcoholism or diabetes mellitus. Differential diagnosis includes non-fasciitis skin infection, dermatomyositis, and non-infectious necrotizing processes.
In this 8-minute video featuring Dr. Ahsen Hussain, assistant professor at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, we'll review:
- How to identify necrotizing fasciitis
- Risk factors for necrotizing fasciitis
- Management for necrotizing fasciitis
Plastics Coach Tip
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with necrotizing fasciitis, as it can precipitate renal failure.
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