Related Experiment Videos
Cutaneous amebiasis of the eyelid with extension into the orbit
Insights
A rare case of amebic infection in an infant caused extensive eyelid and orbital tissue destruction. Entamoeba histolytica was identified post-mortem, highlighting diagnostic challenges in invasive amebiasis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Pathology
Background:
- A 4-month-old infant presented with severe left eyelid ulceration and erosion following minor trauma.
- The lesion rapidly progressed, involving the orbit despite initial antibiotic treatment.
Observation:
- Ophthalmic examination and eyelid biopsy were initially inconclusive for amebic pathogens.
- The infant's condition worsened, leading to death from unrelated complications during hospitalization.
Findings:
- Post-mortem tissue re-examination revealed extensive amebae consistent with Entamoeba histolytica.
- Amebae were identified in subcutaneous tissues, orbital exudates, and necrotic tissues of the eye and lids.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for Entamoeba histolytica to cause severe invasive disease in infants.
- Highlights the importance of considering amebic infections in rapidly progressing ulcerative lesions, even with negative initial diagnostics.
- Suggests challenges in early diagnosis of invasive amebiasis in pediatric cases, necessitating thorough pathological examination.
Abstract:
A 4-month-old girl was admitted to hospital with extensive ulceration and erosion of the left eyelid where 17 days earlier the skin had been broken when hit by a ball. Despite antibiotic therapy the lesion expanded to involve the orbit. Biopsy of the eyelid on the 4th day in hospital, and examination of the eye and attached tissues removed on the 6th, failed to detect amebae until after the infant's death due to a blood transfusion 2 weeks later. Re-examination of the tissues revealed abundant amebae with characteristic morphology of Entamoeba histolytica in subcutaneous tissues of the biopsy and in the loose exudate and necrotic tissues attached to the eye at all levels from lids to base.