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Isolated ocular cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent patient
D E Hester1, J A Kylstra, D E Eifrig
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7040.
Ophthalmic Surgery
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Ocular cryptococcosis can occur in immunocompetent individuals. Subretinal fine-needle aspiration is crucial for diagnosing this rare fungal eye infection, even without systemic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ocular infections, particularly fungal ones, can present with varied clinical manifestations.
- Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection, typically seen in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with uveitis and a subretinal lesion in her right eye.
- Initial laboratory and cerebrospinal fluid analyses did not reveal an underlying cause.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via transscleral needle biopsy of the subretinal mass, identifying cryptococcosis.
Findings:
- Subretinal cryptococcosis was diagnosed in an immunocompetent patient.
- Transscleral needle biopsy proved effective for diagnosing the subretinal fungal mass.
- Treatment with intravenous amphotericin B and oral 5-flucytosine led to visual recovery and inflammation resolution.
Implications:
- Ocular cryptococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of uveitis and subretinal lesions, irrespective of immune status.
- Subretinal fine-needle aspiration is a valuable diagnostic procedure for suspected ocular fungal infections.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing ocular cryptococcosis and preserving vision.