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Exogenous Nocardia asteroides endophthalmitis associated with malignant glaucoma
Annals of Ophthalmology
|March 1, 1981
Summary
A penetrating eye injury led to Nocardia asteroides endophthalmitis. Prompt diagnosis via aspirates and treatment with sulfonamides improved vision, despite complications like malignant glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Penetrating eye injuries, especially with soil contamination, pose a risk for microbial infections.
- Nocardia asteroides is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe intraocular infections.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old male presented with a corneal wound from a soil-contaminated wire.
- Initial treatment for presumed uveitis with steroids delayed diagnosis of Nocardia asteroides endophthalmitis.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through aqueous and vitreous aspirates.
Findings:
- Nocardia asteroides endophthalmitis developed following a penetrating corneal injury.
- Malignant glaucoma complicated the patient's clinical course.
- Vitreous aspiration and anterior chamber reformation successfully managed the glaucoma.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing Nocardia endophthalmitis.
- Aggressive treatment, including surgical intervention and sulfonamide therapy, can lead to visual recovery.
- Steroid use in undiagnosed infectious endophthalmitis can worsen outcomes.