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Pink hypopyon: a sign of Serratia marcescens endophthalmitis
S A al Hazzaa1, K F Tabbara, J A Gammon
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis in infants is uncommon. We recently examined and treated an infant who presented with pink hypopyon which followed a Serratia marcescens septicaemia. Culture of the aspirate from the anterior chamber showed no red blood cells, and grew Serratia marcescens, which was also isolated from the tip of the child's umbilical artery catheter. The presence of a pink hypopyon in the absence of hyphaema may suggest the diagnosis of Serratia marcescens endophthalmitis.
Insights
Pink hypopyon in infants can indicate Serratia marcescens endophthalmitis, a rare condition. This finding aids in early diagnosis of bacterial endophthalmitis following sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis is a rare but serious ocular infection in infants.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss.
Observation:
- An infant presented with a pink hypopyon following Serratia marcescens septicemia.
- The hypopyon was characterized by the absence of red blood cells.
Findings:
- Anterior chamber aspirate culture confirmed Serratia marcescens.
- Serratia marcescens was also isolated from the infant's umbilical artery catheter tip.
Implications:
- A pink hypopyon, without hyphaemia, may be a specific clinical sign for Serratia marcescens endophthalmitis in neonates.
- This observation can guide clinicians in suspecting and managing this specific type of bacterial endophthalmitis.