Primary Nocardia brasiliensis of the eyelid

Abstract

Purpose: To report a rare case of lymphocutaneous Nocardia brasiliensis originating in the eyelid.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: The clinical presentation, workup, and treatment of a case of lymphocutaneous Nocardia brasiliensis originating in the eyelid are presented.

Results: The patient presented with a preseptal cellulitis from an abrasion of the eyelid that progressed to submandibular lymph node suppuration. Culture was performed, and a diagnosis of lymphocutaneous Nocardia brasiliensis was made.

Conclusion: Nocardia brasiliensis may cause a lymphocutaneous infection of the face and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of preseptal cellulitis.