Clostridium Septicum Endogenous Endophthalmitis as the Initial Manifestation of Colorectal Carcinoma: Clinical Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the presentation and clinical course of a case of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Clostridium septicum, an anaerobic and gram positive bacteria. Methods Observational report of a clinical case presented in Spain. Clinical case A 61-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of endophthalmitis of his left eye since ten days prior to presentation, and a history of poor response to medical treatment. Evisceration was performed, and C. septicum was isolated from a sample of the vitreous humor. Fourteen days after surgery, the patient returned with orbital cellulitis, and exenteration was performed. Forty-two days after initial presentation, colonoscopy revealed an adenocarcinoma of the proximal colon. Surgical resection of the tumor was performed, and clinical recovery was achieved. Conclusions iSystemic C. septicum infection without a traumatic cause has been associated with malignancy, although an initial presentation of endophthalmitis has rarely been reported. In cases of clostridial endogenous endophthalmitis, investigation for colorectal carcinoma is indicated.