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Endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis in drug abusers
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|May 1, 1980
Summary
Intravenous drug abusers with endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis can achieve vision preservation. Successful treatment involved surgery, intravitreal, periocular, and systemic antifungal medications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Endogenous endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection.
- Intravenous drug abuse is a risk factor for endogenous fungal endophthalmitis.
- Aspergillus species are opportunistic pathogens that can cause severe infections.
Observation:
- A case of endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis in an intravenous drug abuser is presented.
- The patient presented with vision loss and characteristic funduscopic findings.
Findings:
- Successful treatment was achieved with a multi-modal approach.
- Therapeutic interventions included subtotal pars plana vitrectomy, intravitreal, periocular, and systemic amphotericin B, and systemic flucytosine.
- The patient preserved useful vision post-treatment.
Implications:
- Aspergillus species should be considered in the differential diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis in intravenous drug users.
- An aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic strategy is crucial for visual outcome.
- This case highlights the importance of prompt and comprehensive management for sight-saving in this patient population.