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Panophthalmitis due to clostridium septicum
Daniel C Schickner1, Alon Yarkoni, Paul Langer
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 6, 2004
Summary
Clostridium septicum sepsis with panophthalmitis can signal underlying colon cancer. Aggressive treatment, including antibiotics and surgery, can lead to patient survival in this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Endogenous Clostridium septicum sepsis is a rare and severe infection.
- Panophthalmitis, infection of the entire eye, is an uncommon manifestation of sepsis.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old female presented with orbital pain, proptosis, fever, and mental confusion.
- Blood cultures confirmed Clostridium septicum sepsis.
- Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, the patient's condition worsened, necessitating enucleation of the affected eye.
Findings:
- Systemic evaluation revealed an undiagnosed colon carcinoma, suspected as the source of Clostridium septicum dissemination.
- The patient survived the acute septic episode and eye removal.
Implications:
- Clostridium septicum panophthalmitis can be an early indicator of occult malignancies, particularly colon cancer.
- Aggressive management combining systemic antibiotics and surgical intervention (e.g., enucleation) can improve survival outcomes.
- This case highlights the importance of thorough systemic investigation in patients with unusual infections.