[Gas gangrene panophthalmitis (author's transl)]

Abstract

Gas gangrene panophthalmitis is a rare condition of penetrating injury to the globe. The infecting organism is usually Clostridium perfringens. Characteristic symptoms are a brawny swelling of the lids, marked chemosis, coffee-coloured discharge, hypopyon, ring abscess of the cornea, formation of gas bubbles in the anterior chamber, rise of intraocular tension and early amaurosis. Treatment consists in the evisceration or enucleation of the globe, rarely in the exenteration of the orbit. Antibiotics along (Penicillin, Tetracyclines) are insufficient. Administration of antiserum is almost completely abandoned, it is probably more dangerous than helpful. The use of hyperbaric oxygen is not indicated in cases of gas gangrene panophthalmitis. Extraocular extension of the infection and its danger for the individual is prevented by well-times surgical procedure.