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Bilateral endogenous Escherichia coli endophthalmitis.
Annals of Ophthalmology
|March 1, 1985
Summary
A woman with diabetes and E. coli septicemia developed severe eye infections, leading to bilateral retinal arteriole occlusion and vision loss. Despite treatment, her sight did not recover, highlighting a severe complication of sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Endogenous endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis and Escherichia coli septicemia are serious conditions that can predispose patients to severe infections.
- Urinary tract infections are a common source of E. coli septicemia.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old woman with DKA and E. coli septicemia presented with bilateral endogenous endophthalmitis.
- Treatment included ampicillin and corticosteroids.
- Fundus examination revealed bilateral retinal arteriolar occlusion, appearing as white threads.
Findings:
- Electroretinogram (ERG) was nonrecordable in both eyes, indicating severe retinal dysfunction.
- A minimal a-wave was noted in the left eye under strong stimulation.
- Despite controlling the septicemia, vision did not recover.
Implications:
- This case highlights a severe ophthalmic complication of E. coli septicemia in diabetic patients.
- Retinal arteriolar occlusion may be a significant factor in vision loss in such cases.
- Prompt recognition and management of underlying infections are crucial to potentially prevent devastating visual outcomes.