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Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis in a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia
G A Follows1, C Hutchinson, A Martin
1Department of Haematology, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Lindley, UK.
Abstract:
A 55-year-old patient developed progressive loss of vision in one eye following induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from vitreal aspirates. The patient was treated with intravenous and intravitreal amphotericin B but suffered complete loss of vision in her right eye. We believe this is the first report of culture-proven Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis in a patient treated for a haematological malignancy.
Insights
A 55-year-old patient experienced vision loss due to Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis after chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This is the first reported case of fungal endophthalmitis in a patient with a hematologic malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy often treated with intensive chemotherapy.
- Immunocompromised patients undergoing chemotherapy are at increased risk for opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old patient undergoing induction chemotherapy for AML presented with progressive vision loss in one eye.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed signs consistent with endophthalmitis.
- Vitreal aspirates yielded a culture of Aspergillus fumigatus.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with culture-proven Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis.
- Despite treatment with intravenous and intravitreal amphotericin B, complete vision loss occurred in the affected eye.
- This represents the first documented case of Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis in a patient with a hematologic malignancy.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but severe complication of chemotherapy in AML patients.
- Early recognition and aggressive management of fungal endophthalmitis are crucial in immunocompromised individuals.
- Further research into preventative strategies and treatment protocols for fungal infections in hematologic malignancy patients is warranted.