An aggressive and fatal craniofacial group A Streptococcus infection resulting from a minimally displaced orbital floor fracture

While sharp, penetrating trauma is often associated with group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections and subsequent necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), there are scant reports in the oral and maxillofacial surgery literature regarding blunt, non-penetrating trauma in association with these conditions. With a clinical course that initially appears relatively benign following blunt trauma, NF can progress swiftly through the fascial planes and may quickly become life-threatening if the oral and maxillofacial surgeon fails to recognize some of the critical pathognomonic signs. The case of a 64-year-old female who suffered a ground-level mechanical fall with a minimally displaced lateral orbital wall fracture is reported here. This seemingly benign, non-penetrating injury subsequently developed into rapidly progressive, fatal NF and STSS. This case is used to highlight the necessity for early detection of NF and STSS prior to rapid clinical decline, as these scenarios, particularly bilateral peri-orbital NF with resulting mortality, have been reported infrequently following blunt, craniofacial trauma in the literature related to this specialty.