title: Recurrent scleral abscess after uncomplicated cataract extraction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the unusual occurrence of a recurrent scleral abscess after uncomplicated cataract extraction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report of a 77-year-old healthy woman.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multiple cultures and antibiotic treatments failed to resolve presenting symptoms. Gram stain, Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) stain, and all cultures were negative. After drainage of the abscess, the patient's symptoms cleared briefly, then returned 6 months later showing a positive GMS stain consistent with Candida. The patient was treated with amphotericin, natamycin, and fluconazole at this time, and a return in visual acuity occurred along with a resolution of symptoms. No re-occurrence has been noted with 2.5 years of follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cataract extraction, although generally a safe procedure, can still result in unusual complications such as scleral abscesses. Excellent outcomes are possible once the infections are identified and treated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, and New England Eye Center, 750 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA. MGoldstein1@tufts-nemc.org
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Goldstein
authors.forename: Mira
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: William T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Driebe
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010866:Natamycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D015422:Scleral Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000666:Amphotericin B; D010866:Natamycin; D015725:Fluconazole