[Fungal keratitis caused by Cylindrocarpon lichenicola]

Abstract

We report a case of a 67-year-old woman with no significant past ocular history, who was referred for management of an unresponsive microbial keratitis resulting from trauma with a piece of clothing fabric 1 month previously in Portugal and worsening despite topical fortified antibiotics. On examination, visual acuity was limited to "light perception". Slit lamp examination revealed an 11×11mm full-thickness corneal infiltrate. Confocal images showed branching hyphae suggestive of a fungal infection. Fungal cultures of corneal scrapings revealed growth of Cylindrocarpon lichenicola, a saprophytic, filamentous fungus, which is an unusual cause of keratitis. Despite aggressive antifungal therapy with voriconazole and amphotericin B, she required penetrating keratoplasty for impending corneal perforation. Follow-up was uneventful, with no recurrence at 1 year. Fungal infections must be suspected in all corneal ulcers of traumatic etiology. Specific cultures and confocal microscopy must be performed early, so as to enable early treatment modification.