PSEUDOMONAS ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER 0.59 MG FLUOCINOLONE ACETONIDE SURGICAL IMPLANT IN A PATIENT WITH A LONG-STANDING CRAWFORD TUBE.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis after surgical 0.59 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant in a patient with a long-standing Crawford tube. METHODS: This was a retrospective case review. RESULTS: A 52-year-old woman with a history of bilateral sarcoid-associated panuveitis and nasolacrimal duct obstructions treated with dacryocystorhinostomies and long-standing Crawford tubes underwent placement of a surgical fluocinolone acetonide implant. The Crawford tube was visible throughout the surgery and notably exhibited small amounts of rotation and prolapse with manipulation of the eye. On postoperative Day 4, the patient presented urgently with pain and decreased visual acuity. Endophthalmitis was suspected, and a vitreous tap and intravitreal injections of vancomycin and amikacin were performed. Cultures grew P. aeruginosa. Initially she responded to treatment with no evidence of intraocular infection or inflammation by postoperative Week 3. However, at postoperative Week 4, the patient returned with a yellow purulent subconjunctival nodule and surrounding scleral injection. A second nodule appeared 2 weeks later. The patient was treated with topical and systemic antibiotics. The nodules responded well to treatment showing notable consolidation and revealing an area of scleral thinning as they regressed. CONCLUSION: We present a case of P. aeruginosa endophthalmitis and presumed scleritis after the surgical fluocinolone acetonide implant placement in an eye with a Crawford nasolacrimal tube effectively treated with topical, intravitreal, and systemic antibiotics. Long-standing nasolacrimal duct hardware may allow reflux of nasopharyngeal and nasolacrimal bacteria, contaminating the ocular surface during surgery.

Duke Scholars

Author Glenn Jay Jaffe Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery