[Candida endophthalmitis in drug abuse. case report.
BACKGROUND
Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis is mostly seen as opportunistic infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients and under special risk factors. The therapeutical approach and the value of vitrectomy in diagnosis and therapy are discussed.


METHODS
A 42-years-old intravenous heroin addicted male patient with unilateral Candida albicans endophthalmitis, determined by cultivation is presented. The visual acuity at initial was 20/25 but decreased to hand-movements within 14 days despite systemic therapy. Treatment with systemic Fluconazole was extended and vitrectomy performed. The infection resolved but left a scar in the macula. The patient recovered a visual acuity of 20/80.


CONCLUSIONS
Candida albicans endophthalmitis is a dreaded situation in ophthalmology. It has poor visual prognosis if left untreated. Therefore immediate diagnosis and aggressive therapy, if necessary vitrectomy are required.
Klein
A
A
Universitäts-Augenklinik, Karl Franzens Universität Graz.
Haller-Schober
E M
EM
Faulborn
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014821:Vitrectomy
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D015725:Fluconazole