Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Author Spotlight: Establishing a Practical and Cost-Effective Protocol for Corneal Sensitivity Testing in Clinical Settings
Published on: August 2, 2024
Clinical Parameters and Outcomes in Periorbital Necrotizing Fasciitis
Edward J Wladis1, Flora Levin, Roman Shinder
1*Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Lions Eye Institute, Albany Medical College, Slingerlands, New York, U.S.A.; †Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A.; and ‡Department of Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis (PNF) can occur without risk factors like immunosuppression. While PNF can be fatal, most patients achieve good vision, though immunosuppression may necessitate exenteration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgery
Background:
- Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis (PNF) is a rare, rapidly progressive soft tissue infection.
- Understanding PNF's clinical features and outcomes is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical characteristics of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis.
- To correlate these features with patient outcomes, including visual acuity and need for surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patients with PNF treated by three surgeons.
- Statistical analysis to identify correlations between patient demographics, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Seventeen patients with PNF were identified (mean age 48.1 years).
- Over half lacked predisposing factors like immunodeficiency or trauma.
- One patient died; immunosuppression correlated with exenteration but not final visual acuity.
Conclusions:
- This series is the largest reported for PNF.
- Most patients recovered with good visual acuity, often without identifiable risk factors.
- Immunosuppression is a risk factor for exenteration but not necessarily poor visual outcome.
