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Choroidal blastomycosis. A report of two cases
J L Gottlieb1, I L McAllister, F A Guttman
1Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Choroidal blastomycosis, a rare fungal eye infection, can occur in immunocompetent individuals from disseminated blastomycosis. Prompt diagnosis via biopsy and systemic treatment with amphotericin B are crucial for successful outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by *Blastomyces dermatitidis*.
- Ocular involvement, specifically choroidal blastomycosis, is a rare manifestation of disseminated disease.
Observation:
- Presents two cases of disseminated blastomycosis with ocular infection confined to the choroid.
- Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy of skin lesions showing characteristic yeast forms.
Findings:
- Systemic evaluation revealed widespread dissemination including eyes, lungs, skin, bone, CNS, and genitourinary systems.
- Both patients achieved successful treatment outcomes with intravenous amphotericin B, eradicating ocular and systemic infections.
Implications:
- Highlights that blastomycosis can affect immunocompetent individuals, leading to choroidal mycotic infections.
- Emphasizes the necessity of tissue biopsy for diagnosis and comprehensive systemic evaluation for disseminated blastomycosis.