Escherichia coli endophthalmitis after trans-scleral resection of uveal melanoma.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of Escherichia coli endophthalmitis after trans-scleral resection of an uveal melanoma.


METHODS
A large ciliary body melanoma was treated by trans-scleral resection and full-thickness sclerectomy because of epibulbar tumor extrusion, followed by adjuvant ruthenium plaque therapy.


RESULTS
Two months after treatment the patient developed wound dehiscence and consecutive endophthalmitis. Cultures of the involved sclera yielded Escherichia coil. The infection resolved after systemic intravenous ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone, with aggressive topical ciprofloxacin and tobramycin. Final visual acuity was light perception.


CONCLUSIONS
We assume that the ruthenium plaque placed over the scleral patch was responsible for the delay in scleral healing, with consequent wound dehiscence and E. coli endophthalmitis.
Balestrazzi
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology and Neurosurgery, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. anbalestrazzi@oculista.zzn.com
Blasi
M A
MA
Primitivo
S
S
Balestrazzi
E
E
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002924:Ciliary Body; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000382:microbiology*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents