title: Optic Atrophy Secondary to Preseptal Cutaneous Anthrax: Case Report.
abstract: Bacillus anthracis, the agent of anthrax, is a nonmotile, aerobic gram-positive rod that can form very resistant spores in economically poor environments. Anthrax can manifest as cutaneous, gastrointestinal, or inhalational form. Cutaneous anthrax, caused by direct skin contact, presents with eschar, lymphadenopathy, and a febrile illness. The face and eyelids are most commonly involved in cutaneous anthrax. A 45-year-old man was admitted to our clinic with high fever and swelling of the right eyelid. One day later on re-examination, formation of ulcerous lesions in the right medial canthal region was observed, with general oedema in the upper and lower eyelids. The patient was evaluated as having cutaneous anthrax and medical treatment was continued until the 28th day; he was discharged from the hospital with no loss of vision. He returned for a follow-up examination after 2 months, with decreased visual acuity (<logMAR 1.0). In the fundus examination, optic atrophy was observed. The patient was evaluated as having toxic optic neuropathy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kafkas Kars Turkey.
authors.forename: Metin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ekinci
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kafkas Kars Turkey.
authors.forename: H Hüseyin
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Çağatay
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Kafkas Kars Turkey.
authors.forename: Nergiz
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hüseyinoğlu
authors.affiliation: Erzurum Training and Research Hospital Ophthalmology Clinic Erzurum Turkey.
authors.forename: Erdinç
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ceylan
authors.affiliation: Sarıkamış Military Hospital Ophthalmolgy Clinic Kars Turkey.
authors.forename: Gökçen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gökçe
keywords: Anthrax; optic atrophy; preseptal cellulitis