Treatment strategies for postoperative Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis

PURPOSE: Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis after cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is characterized by a chronic indolent course, frequently associated with recurrence after standard endophthalmitis treatment. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of various therapeutic methods in the treatment of primary and recurrent episodes of postoperative P. acnes endophthalmitis. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients treated at Wills Eye Hospital for P. acnes endophthalmitis. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts and microbiology files of all patients treated at Wills Eye Hospital between January 1991 and April 1998 with culture-proven P. acnes endophthalmitis after cataract extraction and posterior chamber IOL implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Results of cultures and microbiologic examinations, efficacy of various treatment methods in the prevention of recurrent inflammatory episodes, and final visual outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients who met inclusion criteria were identified; initial therapy consisted of 1 of the following: intraocular antibiotic (IOAB) injections alone (2 patients); IOAB combined with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) (10 patients); IOAB and PPV combined with partial capsulectomy (9 patients); and IOAB, PPV, total capsulectomy, and IOL exchange (4 patients). Nearly half of the patients (10 of 21, or 48%) initially treated with IOAB alone (1 of 2), IOAB and PPV (5 of 10), and IOAB combined with PPV and partial capsulectomy (4 of 9) required further therapeutic interventions for recurrent disease. Retreatment with IOAB alone or combined with PPV and partial capsulectomy in these patients failed to eradicate the infection in three (75%) of four patients. None of the patients (0 of 4) treated initially with total capsulectomy and IOL exchange required additional surgical intervention. Furthermore, none of the patients (0 of 13) who underwent total capsulectomy with IOL removal or exchange or IOL exchange alone as an initial, secondary, or tertiary treatment required further intervention. CONCLUSION: In the authors' series, approximately half of the patients with P. acnes endophthalmitis were treated successfully initially with nonsurgical or limited surgical intervention. All patients treated with total capsulectomy and IOL exchange or removal, either as an initial treatment or for recurrent disease, were cured. Removal of the entire capsular bag and the IOL may be performed as a definitive initial therapy and should be performed for recurrent inflammation.     

Management options for Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis

The authors reviewed the management of nine culture-proven cases of Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis which presented at an average of 4 months after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation. The initial signs included a white intracapsular plaque (9/9), vitritis (9/9), granulomatous uveitis (4/9), nongranulomatous uveitis (5/9), hypopyon (4/9), beaded fibrin strands in the anterior chamber (3/9), and diffuse intraretinal hemorrhages (2/9). A variety of management schemes were used in these patients, including the following: topical and intravenous antibiotics alone; intraocular and topical antibiotic administration; pars plana vitrectomy with capsulectomy and intraocular antibiotic administration; and removal of all capsular remnants with PC IOL removal or exchange. The final visual acuities ranged from 20/20 to 20/60 in six eyes and 20/200 to 20/400 in three eyes. This review suggests that a variety of management options for P. acnes endophthalmitis appear to be successful. Based on the authors' experience, an algorithm for future treatment is offered.     

Therapeutic strategy in delayed postoperative endophtalmitis: a report on 15 cases

PURPOSE: To report the treatment strategies and visual acuity outcomes of chronic postoperative endophthalmitis. MATERIAL: and methods: The authors reviewed the records of 15 patients presenting 3 or more weeks after cataract surgery with intraocular inflammation and treated at Bicêtre Hospital from 1992 to 1998. Group I included 6 consecutive patients treated with vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotic injection (vancomycin and cefazolin). Group II included 9 consecutive patients treated with intravitreal antibiotic injection (vancomycin and ceftazidime) and irrigation of the capsular bag (vancomycin). The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. RESULTS: In group I, 2 patients had recurrent inflammation. In these patients, the capsular bag and the intraocular implant were removed. In 1 patient there was culture-proven Corynebacterium and in 1 patient a Staphylococcus epidermidis was found. Final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 5 patients and 20/100 in 1 patient. Visual acuity improved in all cases. In group II no recurrence was seen in the 12-20 months of follow-up. In 2 patients there was proven Staphylococcus epidermidis and in one patient Propionibacterium acnes was found. Final visual acuity was 20/40 or more in 3 patients, 20/100 or more in 4 patients and less than 20/200 in 2 patients. Visual acuity improved in 8 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal antibiotic injection with vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotic injection with antibiotic irrigation of the capsular bag are both effective in the treatment of delayed chronic postoperative endophthalmitis; however, with the second approach, there is minimal surgical trauma and the intraocular implant is retained.     

Enterococcal endophthalmitis following cataract surgery

BACKGROUND: Postoperative endophthalmitis can be subdivided into acute and chronic forms which are typically caused by different organisms. Enterococcus faecalis is an organism which normally causes an acute form of endophthalmitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report on four cases of different forms of endophthalmitis following cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation who had been referred to our institution between 1998 and 2001. Enterococcus faecalis was the causative organism in all of them. RESULTS: Two patients presented with an acute form and were immediately treated in our hospital after symptom onset utilizing pars plana vitrectomy with and without IOL explantation. The two other patients were initially treated with subconjunctival and/or systemic antibiotics and steroids over a period of about two months before referral to our hospital. After initial improvement the inflammation exacerbated in these two patients and vitrectomy with or without IOL and capsular bag explantation was performed. The explanted IOL and capsular bag of one patient were examined using scanning electron microscopy and it was shown that the enterococci were adherent to the IOL and the capsular bag. CONCLUSION:Enterococcus faecalis can be the causative organism both of an acute and of a recurrent form of postoperative endophthalmitis. The recurrent form may be caused by organisms which tend to adhere to the IOL and the capsular bag. This should be kept in mind when considering different treatment options.     

Delayed posttraumatic Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis in a child.

A 7-year-old boy presented with granulomatous anterior uveitis after an unrecognized penetrating injury in the same eye 2 months previously. The uveitis was unresponsive to topical corticosteroid therapy, lensectomy with anterior vitrectomy, and administration of intraocular and subconjunctival injections of vancomycin. Pars plana vitrectomy, capsulectomy, and injection of intravitreal vancomycin were eventually performed, leading to complete resolution of the intraocular inflammation. Culture and histopathologic examination of a capsular specimen confirmed sequestered Propionibacterium acnes infection. This case demonstrates that P. acnes may cause delayed endophthalmitis following penetrating trauma and may persist within capsular remnants in the aphakic eye.     

Postoperative endophthalmitis caused by sequestered Acinetobacter calcoaceticus

PURPOSE:To describe postoperative endophthalmitis caused by sequestered Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.METHOD:Case report. A 40-year-old woman developed recurrence of inflammation after extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. At last recurrence, the capsular bag was studded with white deposits. Intraocular lens was removed along with capsular bag during pars plana vitrectomy.RESULTS:The capsular bag, when cultured, grew A calcoaceticus. The media remained clear with no evidence of recurrence of infection over a 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION:Postoperative endophthalmitis similar to that caused by sequestered Propionibacterium acnes can be caused by A calcoaceticus.     

Lens capsular bag irrigation for low-grade endophthalmitis

Purpose  In postoperative low-grade endophthalmitis, microorganisms of low pathogenicity exhibit prolonged survival times by sequestration into the capsular bag. Thus, removal or irrigation of the capsular bag as nidus of the microorganisms is an essential therapeutic step. Correspondingly, guidelines suggest pars plana vitrectomy, capsulectomy and/or intraocular lens removal. Here, we report on capsular bag irrigation alone as an alternative, minimally invasive therapeutic method for postoperative infectious low-grade endophthalmitis. Methods  Nine patients consecutively presenting with whitish precipitates in the capsular bag, anterior chamber inflammation and mild vitritis 2 weeks to 6 months following uncomplicated cataract surgery were included. Using an irrigation/aspiration cannula, synechiae were opened, the intraocular lens was rotated within the intact capsular bag and irrigated with 30 ml Ringer’s solution containing 0.16 mg/ml gentamicin and 0.04 mg/ml vancomycin in topical anaesthesia. Results  In all patients, the inflammation subsided within 2 days to 2 weeks. Visual acuity improved in all patients, mostly to post cataract surgery levels. Visual acuity remained stable during follow-up ranging from 2 to 39 months. No further interventions were required. Conclusions  The results suggest that capsular bag irrigation as first and single surgical step can be a useful, minimally invasive procedure in the surgical armamentarium for the treatment of infectious low-grade endophthalmitis. It may avoid removal of the intraocular lens and reduce the surgical risks of more complex procedures. Proprietary interest  None     

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Endophthalmitis after cataract extraction

PURPOSE: To report the clinical course, treatment response, and prognosis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia endophthalmitis following cataract extraction. METHODS: The clinical records of six cases of S. maltophilia endophthalmitis after cataract extraction were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected for surgical characteristics, disease course, culture growth, antibiotic sensitivity of the pathogen, response to treatment, and final visual acuity. RESULTS: Four patients underwent uncomplicated cataract extraction with phacoemulsification (PHACO) and intracapsular intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. One case was complicated by inadvertent posterior capsular tear during PHACO and IOL implantation. One patient underwent a combined extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with IOL implantation and trabeculectomy, but vitrectomy was also performed because of cortical material loss into the vitreous cavity after a capsular tear. Symptoms began between postoperative days 1 and 19. All patients underwent a vitreous tap and intravitreal injections of antibiotics. Medical therapy alone was sufficient in five patients to treat the infection. One patient had four episodes of recurrence. Pars plana vitrectomy with subsequent capsulectomy and IOL extraction were performed in this patient to complete remission. CONCLUSION: S. maltophilia should be considered a pathogenic organism possibly causing endophthalmitis after PHACO+IOL implantation. The clinical picture resembles acute bacterial endophthalmitis. When the pathogen has settled in the capsular bag, the infection may persist and become refractory to medical treatment.     

25G PPV联合IOL睫状沟缝合固定置换术治疗IOL囊袋复合体脱位于玻璃体腔

目的：评估25G玻璃体切割(PPV)联合人工晶状体(IOL)睫状沟缝合固定置换术治疗IOL囊袋复合体脱位于玻璃体腔的临床效果。

方法：回顾性分析我院2015-01/2020-01应用25G玻璃体切割联合IOL睫状沟缝合固定置换术治疗IOL囊袋复合体完全脱位于玻璃体腔的患者21例21眼的临床资料。

结果：所有患者术中均顺利取出脱位的IOL复合体,未出现医源性视网膜损伤,术中发现视网膜裂孔4眼,视网膜格子样变性2眼,分别予以视网膜激光光凝。随访6～18mo,BCVA(LogMAR)由术前的0.40±0.30提高到术后的0.33±0.25(P=0.040)。所有病例末次随访BCVA均达到术前BCVA。术后等效球镜度与术前IOL屈光度预测值相差的绝对值≤0.75D。末次随访时所有患者IOL位置良好,未发生视网膜脱离等并发症。

结论：25G玻璃体切割联合IOL睫状沟缝合固定置换手术是治疗IOL囊袋复合体脱位安全有效的方法。     

An epidemic of chronic pseudophakic endophthalmitis due to Ochrobactrum anthropi: clinical findings and managements of nine consecutive cases

PURPOSE: To report an epidemic of O. anthropi pseudophakic endophthalmitis. METHODS: The medical records of nine patients with culture-proven O. anthropi endophthalmitis were reviewed. RESULTS: The presenting features were compatible to chronic endophthalmitis. Two patients showed coinfections with P. acnes. Antibiotics sensitivity test revealed susceptibility to quinolones. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with partial capsulectomy (PC) cured infections in seven patients without coinfection of P. acnes. Final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: O. anthropi should be considered in cases with chronic pseudophakic endophthalmitis. PPV with PC should be the initial therapeutic option for O. anthropi endophthalmitis.     

Endocapsular cellulomonas as a cause of persistent postoperative endophthalmitis

Sequestration of bacteria within the capsular fornices after cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation can cause both acute and chronic inflammation. A case of persistent postoperative endophthalmitis caused by capsular sequestration of Cellulomonas is described. The patient underwent uncomplicated cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation and subsequently developed acute postoperative endophthalmitis. Inflammation persisted despite several vitreous taps and the injection of intravitreal antibiotics. Definitive treatment required pars plana vitrectomy, intraocular lens explantation, capsular bag removal, and intravitreal and parenteral antibiotics. In patients with postoperative endophthalmitis, one must consider atypical organisms as the source and should consider explantation of the intraocular lens with capsular bag removal.     

Propionibacterium-associated endophthalmitis after extracapsular cataract extraction. Review of reported cases

Sixteen cases of previously reported culture-proven Propionibacterium-associated endophthalmitis after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) are reviewed. The inflammation was observed 2 to 10 months after surgery and occurred after laser posterior capsulotomy in four cases. Clinically, it appeared as a chronic iridocyclitis characterized by granulomatous-appearing keratic precipitates (5 cases), hypopyon (10 cases), and a white plaque on the posterior capsule or intraocular lens (IOL) implant (8 cases). Response to corticosteroid treatment was transient. Surgical intervention was required between 1 and 16 months after the inflammation began and included removal of the IOL and capsular bag via the limbus in 7 cases and pars plana vitrectomy in 11. Intravitreal antibiotics were administered in 12 cases. Postoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to count fingers, with 11 of 16 patients recovering visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Propionibacterium-associated endophthalmitis should be suspected if chronic indolent intraocular inflammation develops after ECCE. Intraocular specimens should be obtained and submitted for aerobic and anaerobic culture and cytologic/histopathologic studies. Based on the clinical courses of these patients, recommendations for management are discussed.     

In-the-bag secondary intraocular lens implantation in children

BACKGROUND: Surgery for congenital cataracts in early infancy usually includes a primary posterior capsulectomy and an anterior vitrectomy. Initially, most of these infants have aphakia after surgery. Over time, remaining equatorial lens epithelial cells produce new cortical fibers, resulting in a ring of cortex trapped between the lens equator and the fused anterior and posterior capsulectomy edges. A potential space is maintained between the anterior and posterior capsular leaflets. We describe a technique for placing a secondary intraocular lens (IOL) within the capsular bag. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight children, ranging in age from 11 months to 14 years, who originally had aphakia after cataract extraction were operated on with the intent to reopen the capsular bag and place an IOL in the bag. RESULTS: Secondary in-the-bag IOL implantation was successfully completed in 7 of 8 children. This was accomplished by reopening the capsular bag 360 degrees at the edge of the fused anterior and posterior capsulectomy remnants, using the previously published vitrectorhexis technique. Residual cortical material was aspirated, and an IOL was placed within the capsular bag. In 1 child, aged 14 years, the capsular bag was reopened, but the lens was placed in the ciliary sulcus because the new anterior capsule edge could not be visualized for 360 degrees . CONCLUSION: Placement of secondary IOLs within the capsular bag can be accomplished successfully for selected patients in the pediatric population. Surgeons operating on infantile cataracts without primary IOL placement can facilitate capsular IOL sequestration later by limiting the anterior and posterior capsulectomy to 4 to 5 mm and performing a generous anterior vitrectomy to help prevent secondary closure of the smaller capsulectomy.     

23G玻璃体切割术治疗白内障术后迟发型眼内炎的疗效观察

目的：探讨23G玻璃体切割术治疗白内障术后迟发型眼内炎的临床疗效。

方法：回顾性分析2010-01/2016-01在武汉大学人民医院,接受23G玻璃体切割术治疗的白内障术后迟发型眼内炎患者15例15眼,距离白内障手术的平均时间为5.13±2.41mo。患者术前均有不同程度眼内炎症状及体征,术后行眼前段、眼底及最佳矫正视力检查。

结果：致病菌培养结果显示,致病菌培养阳性9眼(60%),由厌氧菌感染引起4眼(44%),由真菌感染引起3眼(33%),由需氧菌感染引起2眼(22%)。术后的平均随访时间为12mo。经23G玻璃体切割术治疗后,与治疗前视力比较,差异有统计学意义(P=0.009),经23G玻璃体切割术联合人工晶状体取出、硅油填充及晶状体囊切割治疗后炎症未得到有效控制,行眼内容物剜除术1眼(7%)。

结论：23G玻璃体切割术治疗白内障术后迟发型眼内炎安全、有效,联合人工晶状体取出及晶状体囊切割可能有效预防其复发。     

Vitrectomy for endophthalmitis after intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE: To report the results of vitrectomy and intraocular lens (IOL) removal for the treatment of endophthalmitis after IOL implantation. METHODS: We reviewed 14 eyes of 14 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy because of postoperative endophthalmitis. Culture results, surgical methods, and visual outcome are presented. RESULTS: The cultures grew Enterococcus faecalis (n = 3), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 2), Propionibacterium acnes (n = 1), and gram-negative bacillus (n = 3). The eyes infected with E. faecalis had poor visual outcome. Eleven eyes treated by the combination of pars plana vitrectomy and IOL removal did not have a recurrence. The remaining 3 eyes on which only vitrectomy was performed had a recurrence, and the additional procedures consisting of vitrectomy and IOL removal could result in eradicating endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: A higher rate of E. faecalis was detected and these eyes had severe inflammation and poor visual outcome. Combined vitrectomy and IOL removal may be a more certain method to prevent recurrence.     

Pars plana vitrectomy with posterior iris claw implantation for posteriorly dislocated nucleus and intraocular lens

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with primary posterior iris claw intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in cases of posterior dislocation of nucleus and IOL without capsular support. This was a retrospective interventional case series. Fifteen eyes underwent PPV with primary posterior iris claw IOL implantation performed by a single vitreoretinal surgeon. The main outcome measures were changes in best corrected visual acuity and anterior and posterior segment complications. A total of 15 eyes were included in this study. Eight had nucleus drop, three had IOL drop during cataract surgery and four had traumatic posterior dislocation of lens. The final postoperative best corrected visual acuity was 20/60 or better in 11 patients. This procedure is a viable option in achieving good functional visual acuity in eyes without capsular support.     

Spontaneous dislocation into the vitreousof a poly(methyl methacrylate) disc lens 9 years after surgery

A 76-year-old woman had sudden visual loss 9 years after an extracapsular cataractextraction with implantation of a poly(methyl methacrylate) disc intraocular lens (IOL) in the capsular bag. Slitlamp examination showed the disc IOL had luxated into the vitreous through a linear inferior opening in the capsular bag; the IOL lay on the retinal surface. A pars plana vitrectomy was performed. The vitreous cavity was filled with perfluorocarbon liquid, floating the IOL to behind the iris. The IOL was removed through a limbal incision, then another type of IOL was implanted in the ciliary sulcus using transscleral fixation. Thirty days after surgery, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20. At 2 months, total retinal detachment appeared with a large superior retinal dialysis. Another pars plana vitrectomy was performed and the scleral-fixated IOL removed through a limbal incision. Internal gas tamponade was used. The eye was left aphakic. Final BCVA was 20/25.     

Dislocation of capsular bag with intraocular lens and capsular tension ring

We report a case in which the capsular bag with an intraocular lens (IOL) and a capsular tension ring (CTR) dislocated into the vitreous. The dislocated foldable posterior chamber IOL and CTR were removed with a pars plana vitrectomy and exchanged with a scleral-fixated IOL. No complications occurred intraoperatively or postoperatively. Although insertion of a CTR decreases the risk for IOL dislocation, spontaneous capsular bag dehiscence can occur.     

Favourable outcome after cataract surgery with IOL implantation in uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Purpose: Management of uveitic cataract in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is challenging, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is controversial. This study investigated the outcome after minimally invasive surgery with IOL implantation. Methods: Retrospective analysis after phacoemulsification with in‐the‐bag IOL implantation was performed in 16 patients (17 operations) with ANA‐positive JIA‐associated chronic uveitis. In these patients, 25 G capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy was performed and they received an intravitreal triamcinolone (TA) injection. Results: Mean age at uveitis onset was 5 ± 2 years, and surgery was performed at a mean age of 11 ± 2.2 years. Preoperatively, uveitis was inactive in all patients, and visual acuity was logMAR 0.8 ± 0.44; additional uveitis complications were present in all patients, and 15 patients were receiving systemic immunosuppression/biologicals. After surgery (mean follow‐up 26.5 ± 11.7 months), presence of cystoid macular oedema, papilloedema, ocular hypertension/glaucoma and hypotony did not increase compared with baseline. There was no significant worsening of AC inflammation (by cell numbers and laser flare values). IOL deposits persisted in four patients, and synechiae developed in eight. The visual acuity was improved (≥2 lines) in all patients (mean logMAR 0.3 ± 0.24). Retrolental membrane formation was not noted. Secondary capsular opacification was observed in seven patients, requiring Nd:YAG capsulotomy in five of them. Conclusions: Phacoemulsification and in‐the‐bag IOL implantation may improve visual outcome in JIA‐associated uveitis with minimally invasive surgical technique and intravitreal TA injection. Well‐controlled uveitis with appropriate use of topical steroids and systemic immunosuppression or biologicals appears as a perioperative requirement.     

Endophthalmitis following cataract surgery

BACKGROUND: Infectious endophthalmitis is a serious complication following cataract surgery, since it often induces a substantial reduction of visual acuity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical data of 53 patients with endophthalmitis following cataract surgery who were treated at the department of ophthalmology of the University Hospital in Ulm between 1995 and May 2001.Of these patients, 50 had been referred.Clinical presentation, infecting organism, treatment and visual outcome were analysed with a followup ranging from 2 weeks up to 42 months (median: 6 months). RESULTS: In 52 patients endophthalmitis was preceeded by cataract extraction and IOL implantation, in one case by secondary IOL implantation.Confirmed microbiologic growth was demonstrated from intraocular specimens in 26 out of 41 operated eyes (63%), the most frequent causative organisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (50%). All isolated bacteria were sensitive to a combination of the antibiotics vancomycin and amikacin or vancomycin and ceftazidime. 13 patients were treated with intravenous antibiotic therapy alone. In 46% of patients, who were initially treated with intraocular antibiotic injections alone, required further therapeutic intervention for recurrent infection. Only 7.7% of the patients who initially underwent intraocular antibiotic injections combined with IOL removal or pars plana vitrectomy with or without IOL removal, required further surgical intervention. Initial visual acuity was hand movements (median) only but improved during follow-up to 0.2 (median). CONCLUSIONS: In this series all tested bacteria were susceptible to the combination of vancomycin with either amikacin or ceftazidime. Aggressive initial treatment including IOL removal may be associated with a lower frequency of recurrent disease.