[Fungal keratitis caused by Cylindrocarpon lichenicola].

Abstract

We report a case of a 67-year-old woman with no significant past ocular history, who was referred for management of an unresponsive microbial keratitis resulting from trauma with a piece of clothing fabric 1 month previously in Portugal and worsening despite topical fortified antibiotics. On examination, visual acuity was limited to "light perception". Slit lamp examination revealed an 11×11mm full-thickness corneal infiltrate. Confocal images showed branching hyphae suggestive of a fungal infection. Fungal cultures of corneal scrapings revealed growth of Cylindrocarpon lichenicola, a saprophytic, filamentous fungus, which is an unusual cause of keratitis. Despite aggressive antifungal therapy with voriconazole and amphotericin B, she required penetrating keratoplasty for impending corneal perforation. Follow-up was uneventful, with no recurrence at 1 year. Fungal infections must be suspected in all corneal ulcers of traumatic etiology. Specific cultures and confocal microscopy must be performed early, so as to enable early treatment modification.

• Authors: T Gaujoux, E Borsali, J-C Gavrilov, O Touzeau, P Goldschmidt, M-C Despiau, C Chaumeil, L Laroche, V Borderie
• Journal: Journal francais d'ophtalmologie (J Fr Ophtalmol) Vol. 35 Issue 5 Pg. 356.e1-5 (May 2012) ISSN: 1773-0597 [Electronic] France
• Vernacular Title: Kératite fongique à Cylindrocarpon lichenicola.
• PMID: 22137679 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antifungal Agents

Topics

• Aged
• Antifungal Agents (therapeutic use)
• Eye Infections, Fungal (microbiology, therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Keratitis (microbiology, therapy)
• Keratoplasty, Penetrating