Fourth-generation fluoroquinolone-resistant mycobacterial keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

We report a case of mycobacterial keratitis resistant to fourth-generation fluoroquinolones after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with fourth-generation fluoroquinolone prophylaxis. While receiving moxifloxacin post LASIK, the patient was diagnosed with moxifloxacin-resistant Mycobacterium chelonae keratitis. Culture susceptibilities revealed isolates resistant to moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin, and treatment with topical amikacin and clarithromycin with oral doxycycline and clarithromycin along with flap amputation was necessary to control the infection. This case demonstrates the potential limitations in the coverage of these antibiotic agents.     

激光原位角膜磨镶术后非结核分枝杆菌性角膜炎的研究现状

随着LASIK手术的普遍开展，术后并发感染性角膜炎的病例报道不断增多。非结核分枝杆菌(NTM)是导致术后感染性角膜炎的主要病原微生物之一，其中以龟分枝杆菌及偶发分枝杆菌最常见。LASIK术后NTM角膜炎的起病缓慢，早期无特异性症状，随病情的发展出现眼痛及视力下降。典型的临床体征为角膜基质多灶性点片状浸润，严重者可出现瓣下脓肿、角膜瓣坏死。对于LASIK术后2—3周角膜出现浸润病变或角膜瓣下出现结晶样角膜病变，应高度怀疑NTM角膜炎，其病因学诊断须依靠实验室检查。LASIK术后NTM角膜炎的治疗方法包括药物治疗、角膜瓣下的冲洗及手术治疗。治疗的原则为：药物治疗与手术治疗相结合，局部治疗与全身治疗相结合。目前最常用的抗生素为阿米卡星、克拉霉素及氟喹诺酮类抗生素。     

Unilateral fungal and mycobacterial keratitis after simultaneous laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To report a case of unilateral fungal and mycobacterial keratitis after simultaneous laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Case report of a 37-year-old woman who developed corneal infiltrates located at the flap-stroma interface in her left eye 3 weeks after LASIK for myopia. The infiltration progressed despite topical antibiotic therapy; therefore, the flap was lifted and irrigated with antibiotic solution. Parallel corneal scrapings were taken. The patient's condition deteriorated, prompting a lamellar keratoplasty. RESULTS: Corneal scrapings demonstrated no growth. Microbiologic cultures of the corneal specimen were reported as negative, whereas histopathologic examination disclosed fungal filaments. Two months later, the patient presented corneal infiltrates of the left eye again. Because the situation worsened despite therapy, a penetrating keratoplasty was performed. Histopathologic examination of the host cornea revealed no pathogenic species; microbiologic cultures, however, demonstrated Mycobacterium chelonae. CONCLUSION: Fungi and M. chelonae are rare and insidious causes of infectious keratitis after LASIK. Our case emphasizes the possible difficulties in diagnosing and treating a combined or subsequent infection with both species.     

Rapid diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

We report the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in a 51-year-old woman with subsequent mycobacterial keratitis diagnosed by staining with acid-fast and fluorochrome methods, a technique known to have good sensitivity and specificity for mycobacteria. A rapid diagnosis was made without waiting for cultures, and treatment was instituted, including tapering of topical steroids and appropriate antibiotic therapy. The result was preservation of the LASIK flap and a favorable visual outcome at 6 months.     

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial keratitis at the interface after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To describe two cases of bacterial keratitis with atypical mycobacteria after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Two cases of non-tuberculous mycobacterial keratitis occurred in the interface between the stromal bed and flap, 20 days and 14 days after LASIK. The keratitis progressed slowly and worsened after attempts were made to remove the colonies. Mycobacterium fortuitum was confirmed 2 months after initial presentation following culture of the excised flap tissue in one case, and Mycobacterium chelonae was identified by culture of removed material and by RT-PCR with primers in the other case. The patients were treated medically and by surgical flap removal. RESULTS: In the first case, the keratitis was controlled only after removal of the partially melted flap and intensive medical treatment. In the second case, the lesion cleared after 2 months of antibiotics, but after tapering of antibiotics, the infiltrate progressed. Eventually, the keratitis was controlled after removal of the flap. CONCLUSIONS: Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium should be considered as one of the causes of keratitis when presenting as white colonies in the lamellar bed after LASIK. Treatment for 2 months may not be enough to eradicate the infection and excision of the flap may be necessary.     

准分子激光原位角膜磨镶术后感染性角膜炎2例

感染性角膜炎为准分子激光原位角膜磨镶术(laser in situ keratomileusis,LASIK)最严重的并发症之一,现将2006年11～12月经治的2例LASIK术后感染性角膜炎情况报告     

Sterile interface keratitis associated with micropannus hemorrhage after laser in situ keratomileusis

Numerous etiologies have been suspected to lead to sterile interface keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis. This tan interface haze with a rippled appearance has been called Sands of the Sahara. We present 2 cases in which red blood cells entered the interface after a small hemorrhage from peripheral corneal vascularization during the microkeratome pass. Although this bleeding was controlled and all visible blood cells were removed at surgery, both patients developed the appearance of a focal interface keratitis on the first postoperative day.     

Diffuse lamellar keratitis associated with epithelial defects after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To describe the association between the presence of epithelial defects and the development of diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK), "Sands of the Sahara" syndrome, following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the postoperative clinical course and surgical outcomes in 735 eyes of 358 consecutive patients who had myopic LASIK between December 1998 and August 1999 were reviewed. Of the 735 procedures, 680 were primary LASIK procedures and 55 were retreatments performed by lifting the existing flaps. The incidence and severity of DLK and the relationship of DLK to epithelial defects were tabulated. RESULTS: Diffuse lamellar keratitis developed in 9 of the 16 eyes that had postoperative epithelial defects. Seventeen eyes without epithelial defects also developed DLK. The presence of an epithelial defect increased an individual's risk of developing DLK 24 times (95% confidence interval, 13 to 45). In 8 eyes, the inflammation resolved following treatment with intense topical corticosteroids. One eye had irrigation under the flap because of dense central inflammation; the final outcome was mild inferior corneal steepening. All eyes recovered preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuities. CONCLUSION: Patients who have epithelial defects of any size following LASIK are at significantly increased risk of developing DLK.     

准分子激光原位角膜磨镶术后感染性角膜炎

准分子激光原位角膜磨镶术(laser in situ keratomileuisis,LASIK)是目前主要的屈光手术之一,但术后存在的并发症感染性角膜炎可严重危害视力.本文就LASIK后感染性角膜炎的主要病原体、诱发因素、临床表现、诊断、治疗、预后及预防等相关临床研究作一综述.     

Fungal keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

A 22-year-old woman presented with pain, redness, watering, and decrease in vision in her left eye 15 days after laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia. Slitlamp examination showed a central full-thickness infiltrate with hyphate edges. Microscopic examination of corneal scrapings from the edge and underneath the flap showed fungal filaments, and the growth on culture media was identified as Scedosporium apiospermum.     

Delayed keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

We report 2 cases of delayed keratitis that occurred after uneventful laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The first patient presented with a peripheral corneal infiltrate 3 months after a LASIK enhancement procedure. The infiltrate progressed despite treatment with topical combination tobramycin-dexamethasone. The flap was then lifted and the interface was irrigated with fortified antibiotics. The keratitis promptly resolved, and the patient recovered a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20. The second patient presented with decreased vision, inflammation, and a sublamellar infiltrate 1 month after primary LASIK. The flap was promptly lifted and irrigated with antibiotics. Cultures were positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis. One week later, the infiltrate had resolved and BCVA had returned to 20/20. Delayed bacterial keratitis has been described as a rare occurrence after incisional refractive surgery. To the best of our knowledge, it has not yet been reported after LASIK. It is important to consider infectious keratitis in the differential diagnosis of a patient who presents with corneal inflammation, even months after having LASIK.     

Mycobacterium keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: We present a case of Mycobacterium keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHOD: A retrospective case report. RESULTS: A 40-year-old woman developed Mycobacterium chelonae keratitis in the right eye 2 weeks after bilateral LASIK. The diagnosis was made by acid-fast staining of corneal scrapings on admission and confirmed by culture results 2 weeks later. Intensive treatment with topical amikacin (25 mg/mL) and ciprofloxacin and partial excision of the flap led to resolution of the infection after 2 months of therapy. In addition, topical methylprednisolone (1 mg/mL) was necessary to control inflammation and pain. No recurrence was found during the 1-year follow-up period. The final uncorrected and corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 20/25 and 20/20, respectively. CONCLUSION: Mycobacterium keratitis is a potentially vision-threatening complication after LASIK. Early recognition of the organisms and aggressive treatment if infection develops may improve the outcome. When surgery is indicated, partial flap amputation, which may help to resolve the infection and preserve better vision, may be considered.     

Pseudomonas keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

We report a 32-year-old woman who presented with infectious keratitis in the right eye 3 weeks after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). On microbiological investigations, the microorganism isolated was Pseudomonas aeruginosa that was sensitive to ciprofloxacin. To our knowledge, this is the only case report in the literature of post-LASIK infectious keratitis caused by P aeruginosa.     

准分子激光角膜屈光术后感染性角膜炎

准分子激光角膜屈光术后感染性角膜炎是准分子激光角膜屈光术后少见而严重的并发症，一旦发生，可对视力造成严重损害。完善的术前筛查及准备工作、术中严格的无菌操作、术后合理用药及定期随访、一旦感染发生能及时正确地处理可有效预防或控制感染，最大限度地减轻并发症对视力的损害。     

Polymicrobial keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To report a case of polymicrobial infectious keratitis in one eye of a patient who had undergone bilateral simultaneous laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: A 21-year-old healthy female developed infectious keratitis in her right eye after bilateral LASIK surgery. Material obtained from the infective foci was sent for bacterial and fungal cultures and herpes simplex virus antigen detection, and broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy was instituted. RESULTS: Staphylococcus epidermidis and Fusarium solani were detected on culture and herpes simplex virus antigen was found to be positive. The patient did not respond to medical therapy and subsequently the ulcer perforated. A therapeutic keratoplasty was performed and the final best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40, 1 month after keratoplasty. CONCLUSION: Polymicrobial infectious keratitis, although rare, is a potential sight-threatening complication of LASIK.     

Pneumococcal keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

A 20-year-old man developed keratitis in his right eye 2 days after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The patient had rubbed the eye with unclean fingers the night before the onset of symptoms. Examination showed an inferior corneal ulcer with dense infiltration at the junction of the lamellar flap and the surrounding cornea associated with a hypopyon. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated on culture. The ulcer resolved with combination therapy of cephazolin 5% and tobramycin 1.3% eyedrops. Patients having LASIK should be instructed that inadequate patient hygiene may predispose to bacterial keratitis.     

Microbial keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE AND METHOD: To review the literature on microbial keratitis reported after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). RESULTS: Forty-one eyes have been reported to have microbial keratitis after LASIK. The causative organisms vary from gram positive bacteria to atypical mycobacteria, fungal, and viral pathogens. The infection is usually acquired intraoperatively, but may also be caused by postoperative contamination. A majority of the patients present within 72 hours of the surgery with an acute onset of symptoms. Management of microbial keratitis after LASIK includes aggressive topical fortified antibiotic therapy, irrigation of stromal bed with antibiotic solution after lifting the flap, and sending the scraping of the infiltrate for microbiological evaluation. The keratitis heals with scarring and a best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better can be obtained in the majority of the patients. CONCLUSION: Microbial keratitis is a sight-threatening complication of LASIK.     

Peripheral keratitis following laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To report two different cases of sterile, peripheral keratitis following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: A report of two cases (two eyes of two patients). RESULTS: In two patients, peripheral infiltrates appeared 1 day after LASIK. One patient had a history of rheumatoid arthritis and both had peripheral corneal changes that may have represented prior inflammatory events. The presentations were quite different, with one occurring in association with an epithelial defect at the edge of the flap and the other occurring without an epithelial defect peripheral to the microkeratome cut. In the second case a similar infiltrate showed up in the unoperated fellow eye. Both patients were treated with aggressive antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy. Both patients recovered well with no loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Peripheral keratitis can occur in patients following LASIK; preoperative evidence of previous inflammation may be a marker for patients at higher risk. Rheumatoid arthritis patients may be at increased risk for this complication. With careful and aggressive management excellent visual outcomes are still possible.     

Mycobacterium keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: The authors report two cases of Mycobacterium keratitis following LASIK. METHODS: The case reports are based on a retrospective review of clinical history and associated findings. RESULTS: Two patients developed infectious keratitis after undergoing laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). In case #1, the infection developed after manipulation of the lamellar flap to remove epithelium from the stromal bed. In case #2, prior radial keratotomy may have been a contributing factor to development of the infection. Corneal infiltrates appeared as focal, white, stromal deposits. Cultures isolated Mycobacterium fortuitum from case #1 and Mycobacterium chelonae from case #2. Topical fortified amikacin, clarithromycin, tobramycin, and ciprofloxacin eventually controlled the infection. Topical prednisolone acetate and bandage contact lenses were necessary to control inflammation and pain. Infiltrates were slow to resolve until focal necrosis eroded through the flaps leading to rapid clearing of the infiltrates; however, scarring of the cornea developed at the site of necrosis. Visual recovery was good in the first case but limited in the second. CONCLUSIONS: Mycobacterium keratitis complicating LASIK may be difficult to eradicate until the sequestered stromal infiltrate drains. Rapid recognition of the causative organism and aggressive medical and surgical management of the infection may improve the outcome.