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Pneumocystis carinii granuloma of the optic nerve: a histopathologic case report

D L Knox1, W R Green

  • 1Wm. R. Green Eye Pathology Laboratory of the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287-9248, USA. daknox@jhmi.edu

Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology : the Official Journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
|January 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

A patient with acute leukemia developed fatal Candida sepsis and Pneumocystis pneumonia. Autopsy revealed Pneumocystis carinii in an optic nerve granuloma, suggesting a rare complication.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Acute leukemia patients are immunocompromised, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • Candida sepsis and Pneumocystis pneumonia are known severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.

Observation:

  • A 30-year-old male leukemia patient presented with severe sepsis and pneumonia.

Findings:

  • The patient succumbed to disseminated Candida infection and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
  • Histopathological examination revealed a granuloma in the optic nerve containing Pneumocystis carinii.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for unusual localization of Pneumocystis carinii in immunocompromised patients.
  • Ocular involvement in Pneumocystis infections, though rare, should be considered in immunocompromised patients with neurological or visual symptoms.

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