Embolic retinopathy due to Corynebacterium minutissimum endocarditis

Abstract

Infective embolic retinopathy as a sequela of bacterial endocarditis is described in a 31-year-old woman with mitral valve prolapse. The infective organism, Corynebacterium minutissimum, has not been previously found to cause ocular or multisystem diseases. It is a common mucocutaneous inhabitant which causes erythrasma. In our case report both ocular involvement and septicaemia were present. The infection was confirmed by positive serial blood cultures. Mitral valve prolapse was confirmed by echocardiography. On clinical examination the retinopathy consisted of white intraretinal lesions which resolved with antibiotic therapy. By fluorescein angiography focal areas of hypofluorescence corresponding to the white fundus lesions were present. Optic disc oedema was also seen.