Endogenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Endogenous endophthalmitis is a vision-threatening condition that results from the hematogenous spread of infection to the eye that originated in a distant primary focus. Although it has long been recognized that bloodborne organisms can infect the eye, endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis is considered a rare entity. We present a unique case of a critically ill patient with a cholangiocarcinoma complicated by ascending cholangitis who developed endogenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis. An awareness of the risk factors predisposing to endogenous endophthalmitis and a high clinical suspicion are necessary to make an early diagnosis in the intensive care unit. Management involves an aggressive combined medical and surgical approach in an effort to prevent ocular morbidity and vision loss.