Endogenous Candida endophthalmitis leading to bilateral corneal perforation

A premature neonate developed advanced bilateral endophthalmitis before the significance of underlying Candida sepsis was appreciated. Severe endophthalmitis resulted in corneal thinning, descemetocele formation, and perforation. The infection occurred in the clinical setting of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and indwelling intravenous catheters. Cultures of blood and catheter tips had been positive for Candida but were not considered significant until advanced ocular infection was noted. The septic process resulted in the infant's death after systemic amphotericin B therapy was discontinued because of renal toxicity.