[Endophthalmitis by Aspergillus fumigatus after retina detachment]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Retinal detachment surgery can predispose patients to ocular infections.
• Immunocompetent individuals are generally at lower risk for severe fungal infections.
• Empirical treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids is common post-surgery.

Observation:

• A fungal infection developed in the right eye of an immunocompetent patient following retinal detachment surgery.
• The patient experienced recurrent retinal and choroidal detachment.
• The infection progressed to endophthalmitis despite initial empirical treatment.

Findings:

• Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from the ocular sample.
• Intravenous and intravitreous amphotericin B treatment was administered.
• The fungal endophthalmitis was refractory to treatment, necessitating enucleation.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for severe fungal endophthalmitis even in immunocompetent patients after retinal detachment surgery.
• Early and accurate microbiological diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of post-operative endophthalmitis.
• Refractory fungal endophthalmitis may require enucleation despite aggressive antifungal therapy.