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Bilateral Mycobacterium chelonae Keratitis after Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery
Jaime D Martinez1,2, Guillermo Amescua2, Jesus Lozano-Cárdenas2
1Asociación Para Evitar la Ceguera, No. 46 Vicente García Torres, Delegación Coyoacán, 04030 México City, Mexico.
Case Reports in Ophthalmological Medicine
|December 14, 2017
Summary
Bilateral Mycobacterium chelonae keratitis occurred after cataract surgery. Despite treatment, corneal perforation developed, leading to vision loss and phthisis bulbi in one eye, highlighting the need for improved management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is a common procedure.
- Postoperative ocular infections can lead to severe complications.
- Mycobacterium chelonae is an atypical bacterium known for causing opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- An 81-year-old patient developed bilateral keratitis following phacoemulsification.
- Corneal cultures confirmed infection with Mycobacterium chelonae in both eyes.
- Despite aggressive antimicrobial therapy, corneal perforation occurred bilaterally.
Findings:
- The right eye was treated with corneal glue, achieving infection-free status with 20/200 visual acuity after two years.
- The left eye progressed to phthisis bulbi.
- This case highlights the challenging nature of Mycobacterium chelonae keratitis.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be aware of the potential for severe Mycobacterium chelonae infections post-cataract surgery.
- Improved diagnostic and management strategies are crucial for better patient outcomes.
- Early recognition and aggressive treatment are vital to prevent devastating visual loss.
