Postoperative Mycobacterium chelonae endophthalmitis after extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Mycobacterium chelonae after extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

The history and clinical presentation of a 66-year-old female patient, in whom a low-grade delayed-onset endophthalmitis and keratitis developed after extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, is described. Microbiologic investigations of the scrapings of corneal infiltrate at the cataract incision site, aqueous humor and eviscerated material, and histopathologic study of eviscerated material and an enlarged cervical lymph node were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The clinical, histopathologic, and microbiologic findings in a case of low-grade delayed-onset endophthalmitis.

RESULTS

Analysis of the direct smear of both the corneal infiltrate as well as the eviscerated material revealed acid-fast bacilli. M. chelonae was isolated from these specimens. Direct smear and culture of the aqueous humor were negative for bacteria (including mycobacteria) and fungus. Histopathologic examination of the eviscerated material showed a dense infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the uveal tissue, extensive necrosis and hemorrhage, and exudates with hemorrhage in the vitreous cavity. Histopathologic examination of the lymph node revealed granulomatous inflammation with caseation necrosis, but did not reveal acid-fast bacilli.

CONCLUSIONS

M. chelonae, although infrequent, should be considered an etiologic agent of delayed-onset, postoperative endophthalmitis and early bacterial diagnosis should help in institution of appropriate therapy.