Visual recovery following Mycobacterium chelonae endophthalmitis

Following uncomplicated cataract surgery, a patient receiving etanercept for psoriatic arthritis developed Mycobacterium chelonae endophthalmitis. Vitrectomy, capsulectomy, and intraocular lens removal was followed by intravitreal amikacin, topical gatifloxacin, intravenous imipenem, and oral clarithromycin for six months. The patient achieved a final corrected visual acuity of 20/20. Etanercept has been implicated in the development of numerous, severe granulomatous infections, though not previously with M. chelonae. This represents the first reported case of visual recovery following M. chelonae endophthalmitis.