Endogenous Endophthalmitis A Complication of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Series

Abstract

Purpose: To report six patients with endogenous endophthalmitis as a complication of COVID-19 infection.

Methods: A multicentric retrospective database review of patients with a diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis and a history of COVID-19 infection.

Results: Four of six patients were diabetics. All presented after an average duration of 40 days (Range 17-90 days) of COVID-19 infection. Two of six patients had bilateral involvement. Five of six patients had received intravenous corticosteroid for COVID-19. Two of six vitreous samples showed fungi (Candida and Bipolaris species), two showed bacteria (Staphylococcus species) and two samples were culture negative. Control of infection with good visual outcome in four out of eight eyes.

Conclusions: COVID-19 patients with a history of hospitalization and prolonged use of systemic corticosteroids and comorbidities, for example, diabetes mellitus have a high risk of endogenous endophthalmitis. A high index of clinical suspicion with timely intervention can salvage many eyes.

Keywords: COVID-19; Endogenous endophthalmitis; corticosteroids; immunocompromised.