Postoperative mycotic endophthalmitis.
We report a series of 4 patients who experienced a low-grade mycotic endophthalmitis 3 to 7 months after uneventful cataract surgery. In all patients, the capsular bag was irrigated several times and amphotericin B was instilled intraocularly as well as systemically. In the fourth patient, a pars plans vitrectomy was been performed. Microbiological examination of aqueous humor samples revealed Candida parapsilosis in 3 patients and Candida albicans in 1 patient as causative microorganisms. At follow-up examinations performed up to 12 months after the lavage, visual acuities were 0.2, 0.1, 0.1, and hand motion in the 4 patients, respectively. The main reason for the remaining reduction in visual acuity was retinal and optic nerve atrophy. The findings show that a mycotic etiology of postoperative low-grade infectious endophthalmitis should be considered.


BACKGROUND
No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Rensch
Florian
F
Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Schlichtenbrede
Frank C
FC
Jonas
Jost B
JB
D000368:Aged; D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000382:microbiology
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000666:Amphotericin B