Pseudomonas aeruginosa endogenous endophthalmitis with choroidal abscess in a patient with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of a case of endogenous intraocular infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a patient with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: The authors describe a case of an adult patient with CF who developed an intraocular infection by P. aeruginosa.

Results: Diagnosis was confirmed by culture of purulent fluid obtained by transcleral incision and drainage. The infection persisted in spite of aggressive surgical intervention including extensive endoresection of the visibly affected retina and choroid and multiple administrations of appropriate intraocular, subconjunctival, and systemic antibiotics. Eventually, the eye became blind and painful and was enucleated.

Conclusions: Endogenous intraocular infection by P. aeruginosa can occur in patients with CF who have not undergone lung transplantation. An infection of this type may be impossible to eradicate by aggressive surgical intervention and appropriate antibiotic therapy.