High risk and low prevalence diseases: Endophthalmitis

Endophthalmitis is a serious, vision-threatening condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity.

This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of endophthalmitis, including presentation, diagnosis, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence.

Endophthalmitis is a vision-threatening emergency associated with infection and inflammation of vitreous and aqueous humor. Risk factors include ocular trauma or surgery, immunocompromised state, diabetes mellitus, and injection drug use. History and examination include visual changes, ocular pain, and inflammatory findings (e.g., hypopyon). Fever may be present. Diagnosis should be based on the clinical evaluation, though aqueous or vitreous culture performed by the ophthalmology specialist is recommended. Imaging including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound may suggest the disease but cannot exclude the diagnosis. Management includes emergent ophthalmology consultation and evaluation. Treatment for all types of endophthalmitis is injection of intravitreal antibiotics with consideration of vitrectomy in severe cases. Systemic antimicrobials are recommended in specific types of endophthalmitis. Prompt recognition and diagnosis are key to optimizing favorable visual outcomes.

An understanding of endophthalmitis can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this serious disease.