Endophthalmitis: an unusual presentation of bacteremia.

Abstract

Life-threatening diseases can present in benign ways. In this study, a case of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis, associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, is presented. The patient's only presenting complaint was pain and redness in his left eye. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with an infected pacemaker wire. He did well after treatment with appropriate antibiotics and removal of the infected pacemaker. Endophthalmitis is an unusual complication of systemic bacterial infections with severe consequences if left unrecognized. Patients at high risk for bacteremia (ie, intravenous drug users and hemodialysis patients) who present with ocular complaints should have a thorough funduscopic examination to rule out endophthalmitis. Delay of diagnosis and inappropriate antibiotics are associated with poor outcomes, such as blindness.

• Authors: Pamela Pride, Matthew Nutaitis, Pamela L Charity
• Journal: The American journal of the medical sciences (Am J Med Sci) Vol. 345 Issue 1 Pg. 70-1 (Jan 2013) ISSN: 1538-2990 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23262812 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Bacteremia (complications, microbiology)
• Endophthalmitis (etiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• Pacemaker, Artificial (adverse effects, microbiology)
• Staphylococcal Infections