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Subretinal abscess after strabismus surgery: case report and literature review
Chirag C Patel1, David T Goldenberg, Michael T Trese
1From the *Department of Ophthalmology, Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; †Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, Michigan; and ‡Henry Ford Grosse Pointe Ophthalmology, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to describe the first reported case of a subretinal abscess after strabismus surgery and the successful treatment with vitrectomy, intravitreal antibiotics, and cryotherapy.
Methods:
This is a retrospective case report and literature review.
Results:
A 4-year-old boy underwent uncomplicated bilateral medial rectus muscle recession. Within 9 days after surgery, he developed unilateral endophthalmitis with a subretinal abscess at the approximate location of the medial rectus muscle insertion. The rectus muscle-scleral suture was removed, and transscleral cryotherapy was applied to the abscess site. Vitrectomy with injection of intravitreal antibiotics was performed. A bacterial culture of the removed suture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus and sensitive to his antibiotics. By 1 month, the abscess and vitritis had resolved completely.
Conclusion:
This is the first reported case of endophthalmitis with a subretinal abscess occurring after strabismus surgery. In general, endophthalmitis after strabismus surgery has a poor visual prognosis. Early diagnosis and intervention with intravitreal antibiotics and possible vitrectomy may be advantageous for patients with a subretinal abscess.
