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Exogenous fungal endophthalmitis.
S C Pflugfelder1, H W Flynn, T A Zwickey
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101.
Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
This study reviewed 19 cases of exogenous fungal endophthalmitis, often following eye surgery or trauma. Fungal infections, particularly from Fusarium and Acremonium, can lead to vision loss, but some patients achieve good visual recovery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Exogenous fungal endophthalmitis is a serious intraocular infection.
- It can arise post-surgery, post-trauma, or from contiguous spread of fungal keratitis.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for visual outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical and microbiological features of 19 cases of exogenous fungal endophthalmitis.
- To present outcomes and management recommendations for this rare but severe condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of 19 patients diagnosed with exogenous fungal endophthalmitis between 1969 and 1986.
- Review of patient history, causative fungal species, and visual acuities post-treatment.
Main Results:
- The 19 cases developed after ocular surgery (5), trauma (6), intraocular spread from keratitis (4), therapeutic keratoplasty (3), or filtration bleb infection (1).
- Filamentous fungi caused 17 cases, with Fusarium and Acremonium being the most common isolates.
- Forty-two percent of patients achieved a final visual acuity of 20/400 or better.
Conclusions:
- Exogenous fungal endophthalmitis presents diverse etiologies and requires prompt diagnosis.
- Management strategies should be tailored to the specific clinical scenario and causative organism.
- While challenging, visual recovery is possible in a significant proportion of cases.