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Scleral buckle infection with Aspergillus flavus
Manal Bouhaimed1, Hassan Al-Dhibi, Abdullah Al-Assiri
1Department of Surgery and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, and Vitreoretina Division, AlBaher Eye Center, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.
Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 10, 2010
Summary
A scleral buckle infection caused by Aspergillus flavus was identified in Saudi Arabia. Prompt removal of the infected buckle led to significant visual acuity improvement in the affected eye.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Scleral buckle surgery is a common procedure for retinal detachment repair.
- Infections following scleral buckle placement can lead to significant visual impairment.
- Fungal infections, though less common than bacterial, pose a serious threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of scleral buckle infection with Aspergillus flavus.
- To highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of fungal buckle infections.
- To emphasize the need for considering fungal pathogens in scleral buckle infections in Saudi Arabia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case report of a 28-year-old male with a history of scleral buckle surgery.
- Clinical presentation included persistent conjunctival injection and discharge.
- Diagnosis of infected extruded scleral buckle confirmed during surgical removal.
Main Results:
- Microbiological studies revealed Aspergillus flavus infection.
- Surgical removal of the infected scleral buckle and subconjunctival antibiotic irrigation were performed.
- Visual acuity improved from 20/200 to 20/60 within two years post-removal.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus flavus can cause scleral buckle infections.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for visual recovery.
- Broadening the spectrum of suspected pathogens to include fungi is essential for managing scleral buckle infections.
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