title: Case series of cat-scratch-inflicted full-thickness corneal lacerations and a review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To describe the clinical features and management of cat-scratch-inflicted corneal lacerations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective, observational case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three patients (aged 3, 7 and 35 years) with cat-scratch-inflicted full-thickness corneal lacerations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective medical chart review and review of the published literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  Details of clinical presentation, surgical management, antibiotic treatment and clinical outcomes on longitudinal follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cat-scratch-inflicted corneal lacerations are rare. Only five other cases were found in the literature. Wide spectrum of clinical presentation and severity of injuries exists. Two of the cases here required emergency surgical repair of the laceration; however, one case had spontaneously healed and was only diagnosed 5 years after the initial injury. One case required secondary cataract extraction and subsequent excision of a vascularized posterior lens capsule. There were no cases of secondary microbial keratitis or endophthalmitis. All cases had a favourable ocular outcome after at least 6 months of follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cat-scratch-inflicted corneal injuries are rare but do occur in Australia, in particular among younger children. If the principles of prompt surgical repair and antibiotic prophylaxis are adhered to, excellent visual outcomes are possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital and South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. john.chm@gmail.com
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pater
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Crompton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002415:Cats; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids