Endogenous endophthalmitis complicated by pyogenic liver abscess: a review of 17 years' experience at a single center

Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare complication of pyogenic liver abscess. It is a devastating intraocular infection which constitutes a vision-threatening emergency. Recently, a significant increase in the incidence of endogenous endophthalmitis associated with pyogenic liver abscess has been reported in East Asia. In this study, the authors investigated the incidence, risk factors, clinical features, and treatment outcomes of endogenous endophthalmitis arising as a complication of pyogenic liver abscess.

The medical records of 8 cases of endogenous endophthalmitis associated with a pyogenic liver abscess treated from 1997 to 2013 at a single tertiary hospital in Korea were retrospectively reviewed.

Median patient age was 71.1 ± 9.8 years. The most common underlying disease was diabetes mellitus (4 patients, 50%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from all patients, and all were treated with intravenous antibiotics including ceftriaxone. Seven patients received an intravitreal injection. Four patients needed additional surgical interventions. Outcomes were generally poor; only 1 patient achieved a slight improvement in visual outcome.

Old age, diabetes mellitus, and K. pneumoniae infection could predispose the development of endogenous endophthalmitis in patients with a pyogenic liver abscess. Physicians should pay attention to ocular symptoms as early diagnosis and intensive treatment are required to achieve improvements in visual outcome.