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Chronic intraocular copper foreign body and candida: a unique combination

Marta Ugarte1, David A Nicol, Nicholas P Jones

  • 1Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. marta.ugarte@manchester.ac.uk

Ocular Immunology and Inflammation
|October 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A case report details a unique instance of unilateral intermediate uveitis involving a retained copper intraocular foreign body (IOFB) and fungus. The copper may have inhibited fungal virulence, preventing severe endophthalmitis.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Medical Mycology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Intermediate uveitis can be challenging to diagnose and manage.
  • Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) pose a risk of infection and inflammation.
  • Fungal endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection requiring prompt treatment.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with unilateral intermediate uveitis, characterized by iris and lens discoloration and vitreous opacification.
  • Computed tomography confirmed a retained copper intraocular foreign body (IOFB).
  • Dimorphic fungi were incidentally discovered within the vitreous.

Findings:

  • Surgical removal of the copper IOFB and cataract extraction were performed.
  • Copper deposition was evident on the anterior lens capsule.
  • The copper IOFB was successfully removed, and fungal elements were identified.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that intraocular copper may possess antifungal properties.
  • The presence of copper might have attenuated the fungus, preventing the development of endophthalmitis.
  • Understanding the interaction between copper and fungal pathogens could inform future treatment strategies for intraocular infections.
Abstract

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