[Infective endocarditis complicating bilateral bacterial ophthalmitis: a case report]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• Infective endocarditis is a serious condition often requiring multidisciplinary management.
• Bacterial endophthalmitis can lead to rapid vision loss.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old female presented with sudden left eye blindness, diagnosed as endophthalmitis.
• Vitreal fluid analysis revealed Streptococcus agalactiae; left eye enucleation was performed.
• Recurrent inflammation post-antibiotics led to echocardiography, revealing mitral valve vegetation.

Findings:

• Infective endocarditis was diagnosed, complicated by bacterial endophthalmitis and mitral regurgitation.
• Treatment with penicillin G, panipenem, cefotaxime, and clindamycin resolved inflammation and vegetation.
• Ophthalmic artery embolism was suspected as the cause of blindness.

Implications:

• This case highlights the rare but severe ophthalmic complications of infective endocarditis.
• Early diagnosis and aggressive antimicrobial therapy are crucial for managing this condition.
• The successful treatment underscores the importance of a combined ophthalmology and internal medicine approach.