Facial necrotizing fasciitis following acute dacryocystitis.

Objective: To report a case of progressive necrotizing fasciitis of the face following acute dacryocystitis.

Methods: Interventional case report. Methods: A 60-year-old woman presented with left acute dacryocystitis with abscess formation that had ruptured; a small wound remained. Erythematous swelling of the left eyelid and face developed 3 days later. Clinical progression and computed tomographic findings led to the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis with abscess formation. Early intravenous antibiotics and repeated surgical debridements were performed.

Results: Soft tissue necrosis was found the fascial planes extending deep to the maxilla bone and periorbital fat. The patient was successfully treated without ocular, orbital, or facial complications.

Conclusions: Necrotizing fasciitis of the eyelid and face progresses rapidly. Early diagnosis, prompt intravenous antibiotic administration, and aggressive surgical debridement will prevent the associated morbidity and mortality.