Umbilical Amniotic Tissue Graft as an Alternative Approach for Eyelid Reconstruction After Necrotizing Fasciitis

Delaram Mirzania1, Zhenyang Zhao, Denise S Kim

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.

A 54-year-old female with myelodysplastic syndrome on chemotherapy presented with 10 days of periocular erythema and edema worsening on oral antibiotics. Computed Tomography scan showed periorbital soft tissue swelling without postseptal extension or abscess. Intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered. However, she developed necrosis of the upper eyelid requiring aggressive debridement. Nine days after debridement, the defect measuring 5.5 × 3 cm was covered using an umbilical amniotic tissue graft (AmnioGuard, BioTissue, Miami, FL). At postoperative week 4, 5-fluorouracil was injected to prevent the shortening of anterior lamella. At postoperative week 20, the graft had dissolved and been replaced by regenerated skin. Final eyelid exam demonstrated normal eyelid elevation and minimal lagophthalmos. Herein, we present a case of umbilical amniotic membrane as a substrate graft to support the healing of the eyelid defect by secondary intention.