Nocardia asteroides keratitis: a case associated with soft contact lens wear

Ocular nocardiosis is rare. Most cases of nocardial keratitis have resulted from corneal trauma by objects contaminated with the organism. We describe the first case of Nocardia asteroides keratitis associated with an extended wear soft contact lens. We also describe its successful treatment with topical trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in combination sulfacetamide.     

Corneal complications following abuse of topical anesthetics

PURPOSE: To describe corneal complications in three patients following abuse of topical anesthetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe one case with bilateral corneal perforation, another with unilateral corneal perforation and a third case of chronic keratitis following excessive use of topical anesthetics. RESULTS: Two patients continued to instill topical anesthetic drops despite all recommendations to stop. The result was a bilateral corneal perforation in the first case and a large unilateral descemetocele in the second. The third patient who had chronic toxic keratitis discontinued the anesthetic drops and after the appropriate treatment the cornea returned to normal. Corneal grafting and conjunctival flaps were used to seal the corneal perforation but the long-term anatomical and functional results were very poor. CONCLUSIONS: The initial presentation of this rare clinical entity creates difficulties in reaching a correct diagnosis. A presumed acanthamoeba keratitis is the first choice among many similar conditions. Thus abuse of topical ocular anesthetic drops should be included in the differential diagnosis of cases of chronic keratitis as it may masquerade as acanthamoeba keratitis. A current or past history of psychiatric and mental disorders or psychoactive substance abuse is important in the diagnosis. Functional and anatomical results after appropriate treatment are usually poor. Psychiatric counselling is extremely helpful and is in fact mandatory in the management of these patients.     

Evidence-based treatment of herpes simplex virus keratitis: a systematic review

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is a common cause of ocular and visual morbidity. In this article, we systematically review published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for HSV epithelial and stromal keratitis in order to establish a rational evidence-based foundation for treatment of these disorders. Articles for review were identified in the MEDLINE database from January 1, 1966, to May 30, 2006. Our review criteria stipulated that each study be performed in prospective, randomized, and double-blinded fashion, that it be controlled, and that it rely on specific clinical criteria for diagnosis and outcome. Of articles thus identified in the English language press, 38 articles met our review criteria, 30 for HSV epithelial keratitis and 8 (comprising 7 RCTs) for HSV stromal keratitis. From these studies, we concluded that the best evidence from treatment trials on HSV epithelial keratitis supports the use of topical trifluridine and topical or oral acyclovir, and suggests a possible additional benefit for topical interferon. The best evidence from RCTs for HSV stromal keratitis supports the use of topical corticosteroids given together with a prophylactic antiviral to shorten the duration of active HSV stromal keratitis, and the use of long-term suppressive oral acyclovir therapy to reduce the incidence of recurrent HSV keratitis.     

Peripheral keratitis associated with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

PURPOSE: To describe a case of peripheral keratitis in a patient with an acute exacerbation of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). METHOD: Case report and review of the literature. RESULTS: This is the second reported case of peripheral keratitis in a patient with CMML. The previously reported patient presented with peripheral keratitis that led to the diagnosis of leukemia. Our patient had an established diagnosis of CMML, and peripheral keratitis occurred during an acute exacerbation of his chronic leukemia. The keratitis resolved with topical corticosteroids in our patient. CONCLUSION: Leukemia should be included in the differential diagnosis of peripheral keratitis. Elevated white blood cell count with abnormal differential in a patient with peripheral keratitis may help to establish a diagnosis of leukemia or identify an acute exacerbation of chronic leukemia.     

Intracorneal injection of amphothericin B for recurrent fungal keratitis and endophthalmitis

Penetrating keratoplasty carries an infectious risk. Its requirement for topical corticosteroid therapy facilitates fungal growth with resulting keratitis. Although progression of fungal keratitis to intraocular infection is uncommon, endophthalmitis resulting from keratitis usually has a poor visual prognosis. Fungal infection under these circumstances remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We report a complicated case of recurrent fungal keratitis with endophthalmitis following a contaminated penetrating keratoplasty that ultimately was controlled with a new treatment modality. Intrastromal corneal injections combined with intravitreal injection of amphotericin B led to the eradication of the corneal fungal plaques and the intraocular infection. Intrastromal corneal injections of amphotericin B may offer a less invasive, in-office alternative to repeat penetrating keratoplasty.     

Early corneal findings in Cogan's syndrome

We evaluated the ocular manifestations of Cogan's syndrome in 13 consecutive patients. The most frequent and earliest ocular finding was bilateral peripheral subepithelial keratitis consisting of faint, nummular lesions. The subepithelial keratitis was responsive to topical administration of corticosteroids. Peripheral subepithelial keratitis was seen in four patients and strongly suspected on review of history in three additional patients. Deep stromal keratitis was seen in two patients, while only one patient developed classic findings of Cogan's syndrome, ie. interstitial keratitis with vascularization. Additionally, five patients presented with noncorneal ocular inflammatory disease and deafness (atypical Cogan's syndrome). Early subepithelial keratitis in Cogan's syndrome may be mistakenly diagnosed as trival ocular inflammatory disease, and suppressed by topical corticosteroids, resulting in delayed diagnosis of Cogan's syndrome in the absence of classic corneal findings. Early diagnosis of Cogan's syndrome is important inasmuch as prompt treatment of cochlear symptoms with systemic corticosteroids may prevent or ameliorate deafness.     

Successful treatment of Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis in a patient with a history of herpes simplex virus keratitis

PURPOSE: To report a case of Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis, initially misdiagnosed as Penicillium sp., in a patient with a long-standing history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis. METHODS: A retrospective case report. RESULTS: A 62-year-old man developed P. lilacinus keratitis. He was treated with topical steroids for immune stromal keratitis secondary to HSV before developing the fungal keratitis. Initial corneal cultures were positive for Penicillium sp., but subsequent cultures identified P. lilacinus to be the causative organism. The patient later developed an anterior chamber abscess. Three penetrating keratoplasties, as well as intravitreal injection of amphothericin B, topical miconazole, subconjunctival miconazole, and systemic fluconazole, were required to eradicate the infection. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is a first report of P. lilacinus keratitis in a patient with a previous history of HSV keratitis. The causative organism was initially reported as Penicillium sp. on 2 occasions, before the correct diagnosis was made. Paecilomyces keratitis progressed to an anterior chamber abscess in this eye. Aggressive treatment, including a therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, intravitreal amphothericin B injection, topical miconazole, and systemic fluconazole can be successful in eradicating this extremely difficult-to-treat infection.     

Herpes simplex dendritic keratitis after keratoplasty.

We treated three patients with herpes simplex dendritic keratitis that occurred between three and 11 months after keratoplasty. The patients had no history of herpetic infection. The eyes of two of the patients were grafted for corneal scarring of undetermined origin. The eye of the third patient was grafted for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. At the time of onset of dendritic keratitis, all three patients were receiving either maintenance or higher doses of topical corticosteroids. All infections responded to topical antiviral treatment. The findings in these patients illustrate the importance of considering herpes simplex keratitis in the differential diagnosis of all late-onset epithelial defects in the corneal graft, even in the absence of a history of herpes simplex keratitis.     

Diagnosis and management of herpes simplex stromal keratitis

The diagnosis and optimal management of herpes simplex stromal keratitis can be problematic. Clinical features that should be evaluated include the status of the epithelium and the location and type of stromal inflammation. Two principal forms are recognized: nonnecrotizing, or disciform, keratitis and necrotizing keratitis. Both types may coexist and are sometimes accompanied by iridocyclitis and secondary ocular hypertension. Laboratory evaluation is not usually performed, although, lacking a prior history of herpes simplex epithelial keratitis, testing should be considered to seek another cause of stromal inflammation. A topical steroid is generally contraindicated in the presence of herpes simplex epithelial keratitis and has been implicated in prolonging the course of herpetic eye disease. However, judicious topical steroid therapy can be beneficial when used with protective antiviral cover for herpes simplex stromal keratitis without epithelial keratitis. Systemic antiviral therapy may prove to be a valuable adjunctive treatment, and further clinical trials are anticipated.     

Mycobacterium chelonae keratitis associated with soft contact lens wear.

PURPOSE: To report a case of Mycobacterium chelonae keratitis associated with soft contact lens wear. METHODS: A 17-year-old boy who wore frequent replacement soft contact lenses developed keratitis in the right eye. There was no history of trauma to the right eye. The patient was treated initially with topical ciprofloxacin but without improvement. On presentation, visual acuity in his right eye was 20/40. A Gram-stained scraping of the corneal infiltrate revealed beaded filamentous rods, and the organisms were acid-fast positive. The patient's right eye was treated with intensive topical amikacin, 20 mg/mL, and 10 % sulfacetamide. Eventually, Mycobacterium chelonae was cultured on Sabourard's agar, topical sulfacetamide was stopped, and amikacin was continued. RESULTS: The patient's keratitis responded well to amikacin and resolved over a period of 4 weeks. Visual acuity in the right eye improved to 20/25. CONCLUSIONS: Mycobacterium chelonae is a rare cause of keratitis in soft contact lens wearers. We have identified fewer than five cases of Mycobacterium chelonae keratitis associated with soft contact lenses in the literature. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of the organism using comeal scraping can lead to appropriate therapy and resolution of the keratitis.     

Corneal densitometry evaluation in archipelago keratitis

To report a case of archipelago keratitis and its improvement as evaluated by corneal densitometry. A review of the patient’s record and relevant literature. A 57-year-old man presented with blurred vision associated with photophobia and halos around lights. Slit-lamp examination revealed multiple confluent, nummular subepithelial infiltrates. The infiltrates were unresponsive to topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops. The treatment was changed to topical steroids and oral acyclovir and a diagnosis of archipelago keratitis was made. The patient showed quick response to the treatment and the infiltrates disappeared within 5 weeks. However, no clear changes were observed initially by slit-lamp but corneal densitometry allowed us to evaluate improvement as the density value decreased from 96.5 to 38.6. After 10 days of treatment all the symptoms were resolved. Archipelago keratitis responded well to topical steroids and oral acyclovir. We describe the use of corneal densitometry complementary to slit-lamp examination in the clinical observation of archipelago keratitis.     

Indecision about corticosteroids for bacterial keratitis: an evidence-based update

PURPOSE: To quantify the effect of topical corticosteroids on bacterial keratitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bacterial keratitis is an economically important infection affecting 1 in 10,000 Americans annually. The predisposing factors, prior ocular health, infecting microorganisms, inflammatory severity, and therapeutic choices can affect the course and outcome. Antibacterial treatment is often curative but does not guarantee good vision. Because many treated patients develop a sight-limiting corneal problem, antiinflammatory therapy has sometimes been recommended. LITERATURE REVIEWED: Publications from 1950 to 2000 that evaluated the effect of corticosteroids on bacterial keratitis in animal experiments, case reports and series, case-comparison and cohort studies, and clinical trials were systematically identified by electronic and manual search strategies. RESULTS: The use of a topical corticosteroid before the diagnosis of bacterial keratitis significantly predisposed to ulcerative keratitis in eyes with preexisting corneal disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.63; 95% confidence limits [CL], 1.41, 4.91). Once microbial keratitis occurred, prior corticosteroid use significantly increased the odds of antibiotic treatment failure or other infectious complications (OR, 3.75; 95% CL, 2.52, 5.58). However, the effect of a topical corticosteroid with antibiotics after the onset of bacterial keratitis was unclear. Experimental models suggested likely advantages, but clinical studies did not show a significant effect of topical corticosteroid therapy on the outcome of bacterial keratitis (OR, 0.62; 95% CL, 0.25, 1.54). CONCLUSIONS: Topical corticosteroids increase the risk of infectious complications affecting the cornea but may or may not have an effect during antibacterial therapy. The unproven role of corticosteroids in the adjunctive treatment of bacterial keratitis highlights the need to collect prospective information that would guide appropriate management for this common eye disease.     

Management of Acanthamoeba keratitis. A case report and review of the literature

A recalcitrant corneal ulcer resulted in an extensive corneal opacity requiring penetrating keratoplasty. Histopathologic studies and subsequent cultures established the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis. A second transplant was performed due to a culture-proven recurrence of the keratitis in both the recipient and the graft, with progressive thinning. This has remained clear for six months on systemic ketoconazole and topical miconazole drops. This case demonstrates the difficulty in initial diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis and the apparent successful medical control of the infection despite transplantation into an infected recipient bed.     

准分子激光角膜屈光手术后疱疹病毒性角膜炎的研究进展

准分子激光角膜屈光手术后并发单纯疱疹病毒（HSV）感染常可引起视力的严重损害。导致准分子激光角膜屈光手术后并发疱疹病毒感染的主要原因有：准分子激光照射和手术刺激诱发潜伏的HSV活化;术后局部长期应用糖皮质激素类滴眼液,也可是上述因素综合作用的结果。及时诊断及有效的抗病毒治疗是恢复视力的关键,血清抗体检测、病毒培养、角膜上皮刮片、组织细胞切片和Negative染色、聚合酶链反应（PCR）等实验室检测均存在一定的限制,而多重PCR可能会成为有效的实验室诊断方法。准分子激光角膜屈光手术后并发HSV感染的治疗方法主要是根据病情局部或全身应用抗病毒药物,对于术前曾有单纯疱疹病毒性角膜炎（HSK）病史的患者围手术期局部给予抗病毒药物可显著降低准分子激光角膜屈光手术后疱疹病毒感染的发生率。根据近年来国内外相关的临床研究及基础研究,对准分子激光角膜屈光手术后合并HSK的病因、诊断、治疗及预防进行综述。     

Acanthamoeba keratitis: a sobering case and a promising new treatment

This case report describing Acanthamoeba keratitis in a 41-year-old male disposable contact lens wearer, adds some sobering and some encouraging information for the future management of this infection. Initial treatment with topical propamidine isethionate (Brolene) and polymyxin B/neomycin/ gramicidin (Neosporin) led to an unsatisfactory clinical response. Topical miconazole 1%, prednisolone acetate 0.12% and oral itraconazole were then added to his treatment. This was later discontinued on noticing ipsilateral toxic cataract formation and an unresponsive pupil. The above medications were replaced with topical polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) 0.02%, which we had shown to have superior in-vitro amoebicidal activity when compared to the other antiamoebic agents used in this case. Withdrawal of the multitreatment schedule and commencement of PHMB was associated with resolution of his keratitis, healing of a large epithelial defect and settling of severe conjunctivitis. The identical Acanthamoeba strain was isolated from the patient's contact lens storage case and cornea, possibly implicating the contaminated contact lens case in the aetiology of his keratitis. This is the first Australasian experience using PHMB to treat Acanthamoeba keratitis. It appears to be a promising new treatment for this infection.     

Advanced fusarium keratitis progressing to endophthalmitis

PURPOSE: To review the clinical course, treatment, and visual outcomes of keratitis with endophthalmitis caused by the filamentary fungus Fusarium. METHOD: One hundred fifty-nine cases of Fusarium keratitis at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1987 and August 21, 2000 were reviewed. Ten patients with culture-proven Fusarium keratitis progressed to endophthalmitis. All 10 underwent standard diagnostic microbiologic evaluation, and topical and oral antifungal therapy was instituted. Surgical therapy was applied when necessary. Main outcome measures included the incidence of intraocular invasion of fungal keratitis and response to treatment. RESULTS: Ten cases of 159 Fusarium keratitis patients had intraocular involvement that was culture proven. The isolated species were Fusarium oxysporum in seven cases and Fusarium solani in two cases, and in one case, the species could not be identified. Cultures of aqueous and intraocular tissues grew Fusarium in eight cases, whereas vitreous cultures were positive in two. Nine cases had preexisting risk factors. All patients received oral ketoconazole or fluconazole and topical natamycin 5%. In two cases, intravitreal amphotericin B injections were also given. Four patients required a penetrating keratoplasty, enucleation was performed in two patients, two patients required a combination of a penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy, and one patient developed phthisis. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy with oral imidazoles (fluconazole or ketoconazole) and topical natamycin is inadequate in severe Fusarium keratitis with intraocular spread. Early diagnosis and suspicion of endophthalmitis in patients with keratomycosis not responding to aggressive topical antifungal are important.     

Mycotic keratitis in non-steroid exposed vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To report a patient with vernal keratoconjunctivitis who developed mycotic keratitis in absence of known risk factors. METHODS: A 17-year-old male suffering from vernal keratoconjunctivitis presented with infective keratitis. The patient had been treated in the past with topical antihistaminics and vasoconstrictors. The patient had not been exposed to topical steroids in 2 years of follow-up. He did not have dry eye or corneal micro or macroerosions prior to the development of infective keratitis. Corneal scrapings were obtained and subjected to KOH wet mount smear, calcofluor and Grams stain as well as bacterial culture sensitivity and fungal culture. RESULTS: Clinical diagnosis of mycotic keratitis in association with vernal conjunctivitis was supported by microbiological investigations. KOH wet mount and calcofluor staining showed presence of filamentous septate hyphae while fungal culture showed growth of aspergillus fumigatus. Antifungal therapy was initiated in the form of topical natamycin 5% suspension to which the patient responded and recovered 6/6 final visual acuity. CONCLUSION: The authors wish to conclude that patients suffering from vernal keratoconjunctivitis, even in the absence of corneal involvement, steroid exposure and trauma, may be at increased risk of developing keratomycosis.     

镰孢菌属镰刀菌致与接触镜有关的真菌性角膜炎1例(英文)

目的:报道1例罕见的被确诊为由镰孢菌属镰刀菌引起的与接触镜有关的严重的真菌性角膜炎,该病例最后通过治疗性穿透性角膜移植术成功治疗。方法:病例报告。结果:一位39岁的马来西亚女士,私企职员,配戴长戴性软性接触镜18a。感右眼剧痛、眼红10d。眼部检查见多个长有伪足的圆形旁中心角膜溃疡,前房少许积脓,临床诊断为真菌性角膜炎。经重复角膜刮片检查真菌和细菌结果均阴性后给予局部广谱抗生素和抗真菌治疗,但患者右眼角膜炎病情进一步加重,又给予其他的局部和全身抗真菌药物治疗,患者右眼角膜溃疡进一步加深。最后,为保留眼球,限制感染,在发病1.5mo后,给予患者治疗性的穿透性角膜移植术。术后,角膜组织病理学检查和PCR检查证实为镰孢菌属镰刀菌感染所致。结论:这是1例罕见的由镰孢菌属镰刀菌感染引起的严重的与接触镜有关的真菌性角膜炎。这也说明了在真菌性角膜炎的治疗上存在挑战性。为控制真菌性角膜炎进一步发展,并保护眼球,治疗性的穿透性角膜移植术应该是最后的选择。     

厌氧菌性角膜炎

厌氧菌所致的感染已经引起医学界的普遍关注，眼部厌氧菌感染也屡有报道。厌氧菌性角膜炎临床表现无特异性，而常规细菌培养不生长，对常用的氟喹诺酮类抗生素耐药，因此，此类细菌感染应该引起眼科医生重视。就厌氧菌性角膜炎的病原、流行病学、病理机制、临床表现及诊断治疗作一综述。