Severe corneoscleral infection. A complication of beta irradiation scleral necrosis following pterygium excision.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the precipitating factors, clinical course, and treatment of 11 cases of severe intraocular infections of radionecrosis after pterygium excision in an attempt to minimize the devastating ocular sequelae.


METHODS
From the database of cases of radionecrosis at Royal Perth (Australia) Hospital and Lions Eye Institute, Perth, we identified 11 cases of severe intraocular infection complicating radionecrosis. We reviewed the case notes and the available radiotherapy records (n = 8).


METHODS
Eleven patients admitted during an 8-year period.


RESULTS
Mean (+/- SD) dose of radiotherapy was 22.7 +/- 1.0 Gy and mean latency period, 14.45 +/- 2.5 years. Among the six proven bacterial cases, Pseudomonas was identified in four, Staphylococcus aureus in one, and Streptococcus pneumoniae was involved in one bilateral case. Among the four fungal cases, Petriellidium boydii was indicated in two, and Fusarium and Scedosporium inflatum in one each. The condition may remain undiagnosed for some time and mimic a posterior scleritis, serous retinal detachment, or pseudotumor.


METHODS
Early débridement and culture; close microbiological assistance; and systemic antimicrobials for a prolonged period. Perforation or incipient perforation necessitated penetrating keratoplasties in seven patients and repeated keratoplasties in three.


METHODS
The use of radiotherapy following pterygium excision should be limited and only low doses used. Ulcer beds and calcific plaques at sites of radionecrosis should not be directly covered without first performing adequate sterilization. Removal of plaques may precipitate sepsis; ulcer beds and plaques harbor infective agents.


CONCLUSIONS
Severe radionecrosis may expose a patient to a lifelong risk of intraocular sepsis and profound visual morbidity. Conjunctival autografting is a safer method to reduce recurrence rate after pterygium excision.
Moriarty
A P
AP
Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Perth, Australia Hospital.
Crawford
G J
GJ
McAllister
I L
IL
Constable
I J
IJ
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001610:Beta Particles; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000628:therapy; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D011625:Pterygium / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012590:Sclera / Q000473:pathology; D015422:Scleral Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents