Bacillary angiomatosis of the anterior orbit,eyelid, and conjunctiva

PURPOSE: To report a case of bacillary angiomatosis of the lower eyelid, conjunctiva, and anterior orbit. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 76-year-old immunocompromised male patient developed a firm vascularized nodule in his left lower eyelid and anterior orbit. RESULTS: An excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed an abnormal vascular proliferation and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. A Warthin-Starry stain showed numerous bacilli. These findings are characteristic of bacillary angiomatosis. A serologic specimen was positive for antibodies to Bartonella Quintana. CONCLUSION: The lower lid and anterior orbit are rare locations for bacillary angiomatosis. Our case brings to attention the increasing importance of Bartonella infection as a causative agent of ophthalmic diseases.