Scedosporium apiospermum infectious scleritis following posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Ubiquitous fungi of the Scedosporium apiospermum species complex (SASC) cause various opportunistic infections. Posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) injection is a standard therapy for intraocular inflammation and macular edema. We report a case of Scedosporium apiospermum infectious scleritis after a posterior STTA injection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old man received a posterior STTA injection to treat macular edema in his left eye. After 3 months, he complained of ocular pain and hyperemia in his left eye. Examination showed a subtenon abscess in the site corresponding with the STTA injection. After incising the abscess, the smear revealed numerous conidia-like structures. Although we suspected fungal infection and started topical voriconazole (VRCZ) and levofloxacin, the inflammation of the eye worsened. Fungal culture revealed filamentous fungus growth. Subsequently, we added systemic VRCZ and performed surgical debridement of the infected sclera and Tenon's capsule. Pathology of the sclera showed fungal hyphae. The antifungal susceptibility test revealed low minimum inhibitory concentrations for micafungin, VRCZ and miconazole (0.06, 0.25 and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively). After 2 months, the ciliary injection subsided and VRCZ therapy was stopped. However, subtenon abscess recurred 1 month after discontinuation of topical VRCZ. Surgical debridement and topical VRCZ were resumed, with the eye finally improving after 5 months of management. The fungal species was identified as Scedosporium apiospermum sensu stricto morphologically and by DNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: This case was successfully treated by topical and systemic VRCZ and repeated surgical debridement. Infectious scleritis caused by SASC rarely develops after posterior STTA. SASC can produce conidia in the enclosed subtenon space. Late-onset infectious scleritis after a posterior STTA injection suggests the presence of a fungal infection, including SASC, thereby requiring extensive and prolonged medical and surgical treatment.

Severe fungal sclerokeratitis caused by Metarhizium anisopliae: a case report and literature review.

To date, there has been only one published report on the infectious sclerokeratitis caused by Metarhizium anisopliae, which is an entomopathogenic fungus. Regarding corneal infection, three reports have been published to date. Although the prognoses of the corneal infections are favourable, prognosis when scleral infection is involved is very poor. A 76-year-old patient presented with foreign body sensation in the left eye. Microscopic examination with Fungi Flora Y staining of the corneal scraping revealed fungal infection. The conjunctiva was melted by the infection over a wide area. Although intensive medications were administered, an emergency surgery was necessary because scleral thinning, corneal perforation and lens prolapse occurred. The fungal isolate was identified as M. anisopliae by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region. Herein, we report the second known case worldwide of M. anisopliae sclerokeratitis, and we review the literature related to the ocular infections.

Bilateral Scleritis with Heterogeneous Etiologies: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

PURPOSE: To report a patient with bilateral scleritis who was initially treated for infectious scleritis, and subsequently diagnosed as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). METHOD: Retrospective chart review. RESULT: A 48-year-old female with a known history of diabetes presented with pain, redness, and blurring of vision in the right eye. She was diagnosed as scleritis with retinal detachment and underwent vitrectomy, with silicone oil tamponade and intravitreal injections of antibiotics, and antifungal agents. She presented with active scleritis with additional multiple pus points. Several scleral biopsies failed to yield any microorganism and finally, the painful blind eye was enucleated. The enucleated specimen grew gram-positive bacteria which were identified as Staphylococcus arlettae by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Nine months after the onset of symptoms in the right eye, the patient developed necrotizing scleritis in the left eye. Laboratory investigation revealed a positive cytoplasmic- anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody, which was previously negative during the right eye involvement. She was diagnosed with GPA by a rheumatologist and treated accordingly. CONCLUSION: Retinal detachment may be associated with scleritis, and ANCA testing may not detect GPA in its early stages. Once infection has been excluded, clinicians should not be afraid to use high-dose immunosuppression instead of surgery to treat retinal detachment associated with scleritis.

Syphilitic scleritis and episcleritis: A review.

Scleritis and episcleritis are rare, but potentially sight-threatening forms of syphilis. To provide a full description of this neglected subset of ocular syphilis, we evaluated the English literature for reports of syphilitic scleritis and episcleritis, recording the demographics, clinical characteristics, serological data, management practices, treatment responses, and visual outcomes. Previously published descriptions of 44 patients with syphilitic scleritis (50 eyes) and 9 patients with syphilitic episcleritis (14 eyes) were identified. The predominant type of scleritis was anterior scleritis, accounting for 92.9% of cases, with nodular anterior scleritis being the most frequent subtype at 58.1%. Almost one-quarter of patients were co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Initial misdiagnosis was common and led to delays in initiating treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Visual outcomes were often good in both scleritis and episcleritis, irrespective of HIV infection status, although complications including scleral thinning, keratitis, and uveitis, along with permanent visual loss and an association with neurosyphilis, were reported. Response to antibiotic treatment was typically rapid, often within 1 week. With the rising global incidence of syphilis, testing patients with scleritis or episcleritis for this infectious disease is important to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment for best ocular and systemic outcomes.

Possible Synergistic Role of Cryo-Alcohol Therapy in Infectious Scleritis-Scope and Rationale for Expanding Indications and Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to highlight the use of topical ethanol as an adjunct to cryotherapy, termed cryo-alcohol therapy, in the management of fungal/acanthamoeba scleritis along with a review of the literature. METHOD: Retrospective interventional case reports of fungal and acanthamoeba scleritis along with a review of the literature. RESULTS: The patient with circumferential necrotic fungal scleritis resolved in 6 weeks achieving a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20, and the patient with acanthamoeba scleritis is awaiting optical keratoplasty after complete resolution in 8 weeks. The literature review from January 1990 to December 2020 revealed BCVA >20/200 in 50% of the eyes with a mean time to resolution being 4.16 ± 2.13 months in fungal scleritis, with 27.02% and 75% of the eyes requiring evisceration in fungal and acanthamoeba scleritis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cryotherapy is a useful adjunct in managing refractory infectious scleritis, and its efficacy can be enhanced by combining the use of topical ethanol to aid in faster recovery and reduce visual morbidity.

Enriched and Decreased Intestinal Microbes in Active VKH Patients.

Purpose: To determine the possible microbiome related to Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease in comparison to patients with noninfectious anterior scleritis and healthy people. Methods: Fecal samples were extracted from 42 individuals, including 11 patients with active VKH, 11 healthy people, and 20 patients with noninfectious anterior scleritis. We amplified the V3 to V4 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) region to obtain the target sequence. Then, the target sequence was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The obtained target sequences were sequenced by high-throughput 16S rDNA analysis. Results: At the genus level, there were three enriched (Stomatobaculum, Pseudomonas, Lachnoanaerobaculum) and two depleted (Gordonibacter, Slackia) microbes that were detected only in patients with VKH. There were 10 enriched and 12 depleted microbes that were observed in both patients with VKH disease and noninfectious anterior scleritis (P < 0.05). The interactions of these microbes were graphed. Tyzzerella and Eggerthella were the nodes of interaction between these microorganisms, which were regulated by both positive and negative aspects, but the expression level in patients with active VKH was upregulated. Conclusions: Special or nonspecial enrichment and decreased intestinal microbes were observed in patients with active VKH. The action mechanism of these microbes needs further study.

Optimizing diagnosis and management of nocardia keratitis, scleritis, and endophthalmitis: 11-year microbial and clinical overview.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical factors and microbiological assays that facilitate a rapid diagnosis of Nocardia keratitis, scleritis, and endophthalmitis, and to determine optimal medical and surgical management strategies. DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 111 cases of keratitis, 11 cases of scleritis, and 16 cases of endophthalmitis, all culture-proven Nocardia infections, were identified between January 1999 and January 2010. INTERVENTION: The keratitis cases underwent intensive medical management, and the scleritis and endophthalmitis cases required concurrent surgical intervention for disease control. Corneal and scleral scrapings, as well as undiluted vitreous sample, were submitted for microbiologic evaluation (direct smear and culture). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Historical points, clinical findings, and microbiologic assays that facilitated a prompt Nocardia diagnosis were identified, and management choices were examined for correlation with final acuity. RESULTS: Ocular exposure to soil or plant matter was a common historical point in cases of Nocardia keratitis (48%) and scleritis (45%), respectively. Nocardia keratitis often (38.7%) presented with "wreath"-shaped anterior stromal infiltrate or infiltrate interspersed with elevated, pinhead-sized, chalky lesions. Most patients with scleritis (63.4%) presented with nodular lesions demonstrating pointed abscesses. Nocardia endophthalmitis typically (75%) presented with endoexudates or nodular exudates surrounding the pupillary border. Gram stain and 1% acid-fast stain enabled prompt diagnosis of Nocardia in 64% and 63% of keratitis cases and 45% and 63% of scleritis cases, respectively. Direct smear was usually not revealing in cases of Nocardia endophthalmitis. Isolates from Nocardia keratitis, scleritis, and endophthalmitis demonstrated 97%, 100%, and 90% susceptibility to amikacin, respectively. Nocardia keratitis resolved with medical therapy alone in 82% of cases. Younger age and better initial acuity correlated with improved final acuity in keratitis cases. Outcomes were poor after Nocardia scleritis and endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Early appropriate treatment often results in visual recovery in eyes with Nocardia keratitis. Despite aggressive and prompt surgical intervention, the prognosis for Nocardia scleritis and endophthalmitis is more guarded. Nocardia isolated from ocular infections demonstrate high levels of susceptibility to amikacin. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Long-term, multicenter evaluation of subconjunctival injection of triamcinolone for non-necrotizing, noninfectious anterior scleritis.

PURPOSE: We sought to characterize the long-term outcomes and complications of subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide injection (STI) for non-necrotizing, noninfectious anterior scleritis. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, noncomparative, multicenter study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-eight eyes of 53 patients from 9 participating hospitals in the United States, Singapore, and Australia. Only eyes with 6 or more months of follow-up were included. INTERVENTION: Subconjunctival injection of 2 to 8 mg of triamcinolone acetonide was administered to eyes with non-necrotizing, noninfectious anterior scleritis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of signs and symptoms, time to recurrence of scleritis, and side effect profile. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 2.3 years (range, 6 months to 8.3 years). Sixty-six eyes (97.0%) experienced improvement of signs and symptoms after 1 injection. Twenty-four months after a single injection, 67.6% of eyes remained recurrence-free, whereas at 48 months, 50.2% were recurrence-free. Some 55.0% of patients who had adverse effects from systemic medications were off all systemic medications at last follow-up; 55.0% of patients who were taking systemic medications at the time of first triamcinolone acetonide injection were not taking prednisone and immunosuppressants at this time; 76.2% of patients still requiring systemic agents had associated systemic disease. Fourteen eyes (20.6%) had ocular hypertension not requiring intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering therapy. Two eyes (2.9%) were treated with topical IOP-lowering agents alone, and 2 eyes required surgical intervention for glaucoma. None developed scleral necrosis or melt. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective, international study carried out at 9 hospitals suggests that STI can treat non-necrotizing, noninfectious anterior scleritis with side effects limited to elevated IOP in a few patients. Although no cases of scleral melt or necrosis were observed, we cannot definitively conclude that this may not occur after STI. Intraocular pressure should be closely monitored after STI. Subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide injection may be useful as adjuvant therapy or to decrease systemic medication burden. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Endophthalmitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Taiwan.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical settings, treatment given, and visual outcomes for eyes with Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis in Taiwan. METHODS: This is a retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. Medical records were reviewed in 72 eyes of 71 patients with culture-proven P. aeruginosa endophthalmitis between January 1997 and December 2007. RESULTS: The clinical settings included keratitis/scleritis (44.4%), cataract surgery (15.3%), penetrating keratoplasty (13.9%), endogenous source (12.5%), trauma (6.9%), penetrating keratoplasty with cataract surgery (2.8%), trabeculectomy with cataract surgery (1.4%), trabeculectomy (1.4%), and secondary implant (1.4%). Initial visual acuity ranged from counting fingers to no light perception. Final visual acuity was better than 5/200 in 6 of 72 eyes (8.3%), 4/200 to hand motions in 4 eyes (5.6%), and light perception to no light perception in 62 eyes (86.1%). In vitro testing, the susceptibility patterns of organisms isolated were as follows: ceftazidime (100%), cefepime (100%), aztreonam (100%), imipenem (99%), amikacin (94%), and gentamicin (86%). Five of 16 eyes (31.3%) that underwent primary or secondary pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics achieved a final visual acuity of 5/200 or better compared with 1 of 45 eyes (2.2%) treated with 1 or multiple vitreous tap(s) and intravitreal antibiotics (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Despite early diagnosis and treatment with intravitreal antibiotics, visual acuity outcomes were generally poor.

Clinicopathological, Microbiological and Polymerase Chain Reaction Study in a Case of Nocardia Scleritis.

Purpose: To describe the clinicopathological, microbiological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) study in a case of Nocardia scleritis.Methods: A retrospective chart review.Results: A 32-year old male presented with pain, redness and nodular scleral swelling in the left eye for the past two and a half months following an accidental rice powder injury. He was earlier diagnosed to have tubercular scleritis and treated with oral steroids and anti-tubercular therapy. A repeat scleral biopsy on histopathological examination showed granulomatous inflammation. Microbiological investigations revealed the growth of Gram +ve branching filamentous bacilli in culture suggestive of Nocardia sp. PCR based DNA sequencing identified the bacterium as Nocardia cyriacigeorgica. The patient responded to topical fortified amikacin (2.5%), fortified cefuroxime, oral sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim with complete healing of scleritis.Conclusions: Nocardia scleritis can be a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Newer molecular techniques along with histopathological and microbiological investigations can clinch the diagnosis.

Fungal Necrotizing Scleritis After Intravitreal Injection Therapy.

PURPOSE: To report a case of infectious necrotizing scleritis secondary to Aspergillus terreus after intravitreal injection therapy. METHODS: This is a case report with literature review. RESULTS: A 98-year-old woman receiving intravitreal aflibercept injections for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in the left eye presented with severe pain, redness, and purulent discharge at the injection site. She was initially treated with topical fortified antibiotics, and clinical improvement was achieved, although microbial cultures showed negative results. Two months later, she presented with severe ocular pain and was diagnosed with anterior necrotizing scleritis. Scleral scrapings were collected for cultures, and intensive topical antibiotic therapy was reintroduced. Evaluation for autoimmune etiology and microbiological testing showed negative results. Because of the progression of the scleral necrotic area, empirical therapy with topical voriconazole was initiated, and surgical debridement was performed. Finally, the culture was positive for A. terreus. The modified therapy consisted of topical voriconazole and oral voriconazole for 3 months with an excellent clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first case of fungal necrotizing scleritis secondary to intravitreal injection. Diagnosis was delayed due to its chronic clinical course and the slow fungal growth in culture media, but the combined medical and surgical approach resulted in a satisfactory outcome.

Necrotising fungal scleritis with full-thickness scleral melt and circumferential progression: a novel debridement approach.

A 44-year-old Asian Indian woman presented with a history of pain and redness in the left eye for 3 weeks. Scleral congestion with a nodular swelling was present inferotemporally. Raised C reactive protein and positive antinuclear and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies suggested autoimmune scleritis. The patient was therefore managed with corticosteroids. Nevertheless, the development of severe pain associated with a scleral abscess led to a revised diagnosis of infectious scleritis. Corticosteroids therapy was halted and urgent debridement was performed. Microbiology confirmed fungal scleritis due to Coprinopsis cinerea Multiple full-thickness circumferential debridements with antifungal therapy resulted in satisfactory anatomical and visual outcomes. This case presented a unique challenge, since laboratory results were misleading, and corticosteroids resulted in a fulminant clinical course. Therefore, aggressive circumferential debridement was performed to achieve the elimination of a rare fungal aetiology of scleritis, which has not been reported previously to cause human infection.

Aspergillus Flavus Necrotising Scleritis following Pars Plana Vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To report a case of fungal necrotising scleritis following pars plana vitrectomy. Results: A 65-year-old lady underwent phacoemlsificication with posterior capsular rupture and posteriorly dislocated lens in her left eye. On the same day she underwent 20 gauge pars plana vitrectomy and phacofragmentation. Postoperative period was uneventful for up to 6 weeks when she developed necrotising anterior scleritis with suppurative nodules. Scraping from the suppuration confirmed the presence of Aspergillus flavus. She was treated with topical Voriconazole and oral Itraconazole. Conclusion: We describe the first case of fungal necrotising scleritis without intraocular inflammation following pars plana vitrectomy (PubMed Search). Infection should be kept in the differential diagnosis of post-operative necrotising scleritis even in the absence of risk factors like hypopyon or diabetes. Early recognition improves final outcome. Medical therapy should be continued even after presumed cure to take care of residual fungi and prevent recurrences.

Scedosporium scleritis or keratitis or both: case series.

PURPOSE: To report case series of infectious scleritis or keratitis or both caused by Scedosporium fungal species. METHODS: Medical records of patients presenting with infectious scleritis or keratitis or both caused by Scedosporium were retrospectively reviewed at a tertiary care hospital. Nine culture-proven cases of Scedosporium corneal and scleral infection that were treated medically or surgically or both were enrolled for the study. The main parameters evaluated were the predisposing factors, clinical presentation, and the success of various treatment modalities. RESULTS: The most common mode of presentation was scleritis (six cases, 67%), followed by sclerokeratitis (two cases, 22%) and keratitis (one cases, 11%). The risk factors included a previous pterygium excision with or without beta-radiation (six cases, 67%) and trauma (two cases, 22%). One patient had no identifiable risk factor. Mean duration between the time of pterygium excision and onset of infectious scleritis or keratitis or both was 7.6 +/- 3.3 years (range, 5-12 years). Voriconazole was the most commonly used antifungal medication in the form of drops (five cases, 56%) or tablets (five cases, 56%). Medical therapy alone could successfully resolve infection in six cases. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in one eye, and two eyes were enucleated. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal and scleral infection caused by Scedosporium may occur many years after pterygium surgery. Although newer antifungal agents like voriconazole are effective in management of such cases, severe infections may result in the loss of eye.

A case report of infectious scleritis with corneal ulcer caused by Scedosporium aurantiacum.

RATIONALE: Scedosporium species is rare pathogen of ocular infection. The accurate diagnosis is delaying in many cases and the clinical prognosis is poor due to its resistance to antifungal agents. This report describes a patient with infectious scleritis and corneal ulcer caused by Scedosporium auranticum infection who required enucleation to control the infection. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 70-year-old woman visited our clinic after experiencing ocular discomfort in her right eye for 4 days after minor ocular trauma, with soil exposure. DIAGNOSES: Scedosporium species was isolated from a culture of corneal tissue, Scedosporium aurantiacum was identified in a culture of necrotic tissue. INTERVENTIONS: She was started on treatment with antifungal agents, including topical amphotericin B and systemic fluconazole, but her ocular condition did not improve. Although the lesion showed temporary improvement, ocular pain and corneal ulcer recurred 3 months later. Evisceration was performed due to corneal perforation, and enucleation was also performed for dehiscence of the conjunctiva and scleral necrosis. OUTCOMES: After enucleation, postoperative systemic voriconazole treatment controlled the infection without recurrence. LESSONS: S aurantiacum keratitis is difficult to eradicate, even with several months of treatment with systemic and topical antifungal agents, and tends to progress to scleritis. The infection can be terminated by the orbital enucleation. Infection with this rare organism should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with severe infectious keratitis.

Interventions and Outcomes in Patients with Infectious Pseudomonas scleritis: A 10-Year Perspective.

Purpose: To identify interventional factors associated with improved visual results and faster time to resolution for patients with Pseudomonas scleritis. Methods: Retrospective study analyzing inciting factors, therapeutic modalities, and outcomes of patients with Pseudomonas scleritis. Results: A total of 24 patients were analyzed; 22 were treated as outpatients. All had resolution of infection and 58% (n = 14) maintained ≥20/200 vision. Medical therapy included topical and oral antibiotics; seven received additional subconjunctival injections; two were admitted for IV antibiotics. Patients presenting with ≥20/200 vision were more likely to maintain this level of vision (n = 8, 80%) compared to those presenting with severe vision loss (n = 5, 36%) (p = 0.04). A similar proportion of patients who received (n = 8, 61%) and did not receive (n = 5, 39%) oral steroids achieved 20/200 vision or better once infection resolved, p = 1.0. Conclusions: Pseudomonas scleritis can be successfully managed in the outpatient setting. Oral steroids do not appear harmful in the treatment of this disease.

Presumed Tuberculous Sclerokeratitis Presenting with Hypopyon.

Purpose: To describe a case of presumed tuberculous sclerokeratitis which presented with anterior uveitis and hypopyon Methods: A retrospective chart review Results: A 23-year-old female presented with nodular scleritis, peripheral corneal opacities, and severe anterior chamber reaction with hypopyon. Her Mantoux test and interferon gamma release assay were positive and high-resolution computerized tomography of chest revealed right hilar lymphadenopathy. Aqueous aspirate from anterior chamber paracentesis of her right eye was negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome. She responded to antitubercular treatment and oral corticosteroid Conclusions: Tuberculous sclerokeratitis can rarely present with hypopyon and pose a challenge in diagnosis for the clinicians.

Can cryotherapy be used as an adjunct in select cases of recalcitrant endophthalmitis? - A case report.

We report two cases of recalcitrant endophthalmitis, a delayed postoperative fungal endophthalmitis following cataract surgery and an atypical mycobacterial endogenous endophthalmitis associated with infective scleritis. Due to recalcitrant nature of the endophthalmitis, one or more sittings of double freeze and thaw cryotherapy was applied over and adjacent to the infective foci in each case. This cryotherapy was used as an adjunct alongside conventional endophthalmitis management following which resolution of infection was observed in both cases.