Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
07:50

A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts

Published on: September 20, 2018

Acute systemic histoplasmosis associated with chorioretinitis in an immunocompetent adolescent

Brian Fowler1, Christopher Shen, Joseph Mastellone

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, Memphis Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee.

Digital Journal of Ophthalmology : DJO
|January 31, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Severe ocular histoplasmosis in an adolescent boy resolved with steroids, not antifungals. This case highlights a unique treatment response for presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Histoplasmosis, a systemic fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, is endemic in certain regions.
  • Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) is a manifestation of histoplasmosis, typically asymptomatic, causing chorioretinal scarring.
  • Ocular complications like choroidal neovascularization can occur in POPS, impacting vision.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of acute, severe bilateral chorioretinitis.
  • To describe the association with disseminated Histoplasma capsulatum infection in an immunocompetent adolescent.
  • To illustrate an unusual treatment response in a case of presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS).

Main Methods:

  • Case report of an immunocompetent adolescent with disseminated Histoplasma capsulatum.
  • Clinical presentation of acute severe bilateral chorioretinitis.
  • Evaluation of treatment response to systemic antifungal therapy and subsequent addition of systemic steroids.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with acute, severe bilateral chorioretinitis.
  • Initial systemic antifungal therapy was ineffective in resolving the ocular lesions.
  • The addition of systemic steroids led to the resolution of both systemic illness and ocular manifestations.

Conclusions:

  • Disseminated Histoplasma capsulatum can cause severe chorioretinitis in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) may present acutely and severely.
  • Systemic steroids can be effective in managing severe ocular histoplasmosis unresponsive to antifungals.

Related Concept Videos

Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...