Perforated corneal ulcer with subsequent endophthalmitis in a patient with graft-versus-host disease

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a case of a perforated corneal ulcer leading to a bacterial endophthalmitis in a patient with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Methods: Clinical history and examination; slit-lamp photography; surgical intervention; laboratory evaluation including microbiology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), flow cytometry, and cytopathology.

Results: A diagnostic and therapeutic pars plana vitrectomy was performed. The vitreous aspirate was evaluated with microbiology; PCR for herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and cytomegalovirus; flow cytometry; and cytopathology. The patient received intravitreal antibiotics and antifungal and antiviral medication. The vitreous culture grew Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Conclusion: Patients with GVHD are at risk for corneal ulcers with subsequent perforation. Commensal ocular flora may seed the vitreous and cause an endophthalmitis. Patients with GVHD may develop a vitritis from many causes including viral, fungal, and bacterial etiologies or a relapse of their original disease. When patients with GVHD present with vitritis, consideration should be given to obtaining a large vitreous aspirate to establish the etiology.