Staphylococcal endophthalmitis following cataract extraction in a patient with Darier's disease.

PURPOSE

To report staphylococcal endophthalmitis following cataract extraction in a patient with Darier' s disease.

METHODS

A 67-year-old man presented with decreased visual acuity OD and hypopyon 3 days status post-cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement. The patient was hospitalized and placed on topical and intravenous antibiotics. A diagnostic vitreous tap, pars plana vitrectomy, and intravitreal antibiotic installation were performed.

RESULTS

Vitreal tap cultures indicated Staphylococcus epidermidis. His clinical status improved after vitrectomy and antibiotic therapy. The same bacteria was cultured from the patient's eyelids.

CONCLUSIONS

The source of the S. epidermidis was the skin lesions on the patient's face and eyelids. Darier's disease is an exfoliative hyperkeratotic skin disease that affects all areas on the body except the buttocks. Although clean, sterile surgical techniques were followed, the risk of endophthalmitis following intraocular surgery in a patient with Darier's disease may be increased due to his or her dermatologic condition.