title: Chronic Propionibacterium endophthalmitis after extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation.
abstract: We studied six cases of chronic, indolent intraocular inflammation that occurred after extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. The inflammation was characterized by a delayed onset, and in three cases had the clinical appearance of a granulomatous iridocyclitis. Cultures of intraocular specimens obtained from six eyes yielded Propionibacterium; five yielded P. acnes. Pleomorphic gram-positive bacilli consistent with Propionibacterium were identified in cytologic or histopathologic studies in four of the six culture-positive cases. After surgical and medical therapy, the inflammation resolved. Postoperative Propionibacterium endophthalmitis may masquerade as a chronic iridocyclitis.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001424:Bacterial Infections; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011424:Propionibacterium