Role of Fundus Autofluorescence in Candida Chorioretinitis: Insights from a Clinical Case

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a case of mild Endogenous Candida Chorioretinitis (ECC) in a patient with candidemia, highlighting the value of fundus autofluorescence (FAF).

Methods: A case report.

Results: A 63-year-old man developed Candida albicans candidemia secondary to septic thrombophlebitis after abdominal surgery. Although he was visually asymptomatic, ophthalmologic evaluation revealed lesions consistent with ECC. FAF showed hyperautofluorescent lesions, including subtle foci missed on fundus exam. High-Definition Optical Coherence Tomography (HD-OCT) revealed inner retinal hyperreflectivity with mild ellipsoid zone disruption, while optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) demonstrated choriocapillaris hypoperfusion partially matching the FAF findings. The lesions gradually resolved on FAF and HD-OCT during follow-up with systemic antifungal therapy, and no sequelae were observed at the 8-week follow-up.

Conclusion: FAF could be incorporated into the routine evaluation of patients with candidemia. It can support diagnosis, facilitate the detection of overlooked foci, and assist in follow-up, therapeutic decision-making, and prognostic evaluation.

Keywords: Candida chorioretinitis; autofluorescence; case report; chorioretinitis; posterior uveitis.