Conjunctival Ulceration Research Articles

Resolution of a choroidal abscess in the setting of endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent host with noninvasive treatment.

The purpose of this article was to report a case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-related endophthalmitis associated with a choroidal abscess in an immunocompetent patient, with no history of lung disease or surgery that responded to noninvasive treatment and to compare it with other reported cases of P. aeruginosa-related choroidal abscesses. A case report. An 89-year-old immunocompetent man, with a history of hypertension, treated colon cancer, treated prostate cancer, total hip replacement, cataracts, a recent fall, and no history of cystic fibrosis or other lung disease, presents with swelling and congestion of the left eye, conjunctival ulcer, and with later findings of choroidal lesion. The lesions demonstrated pockets of mobile and nonmobile opacities, indicating a choroidal abscess. Noninvasive treatment with topical and intravenous antibiotics resulted in resolution of the abscess and improvement in visual acuity, while avoiding further retinal damage. Ocular ultrasonography showed that the therapeutic course was able to successfully decrease vitreous opacities, choroidal thickenings, and orbital irregularities. Blood cultures and ocular swabs were positive of P. aeruginosa. An elderly immunocompetent patient presenting with Pseudomonas endogenous endophthalmitis-associated choroidal abscess had favorable anatomical and visual outcomes after treatment with only intravenous and topical antibiotics.

Unilateral conjunctival ulcer due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection

We report a case of unilateral conjunctival ulcer due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection in an immunocompetent individual. A 44-year-old male presented with complaints of pain and yellowish discharge in the right eye for one week. Patient underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation and relevant laboratory investigations. Anterior segment examination revealed localized conjunctival and episcleral congestion with conjunctival ulceration on the bulbar conjunctiva in the right eye. Gram's stain revealed gram-negative bacilli. Culture and sensitivity revealed S. maltophilia and responded well to topical moxifloxacin with systemic co-trimoxazole therapy.

Ethambutol and pyrazinamide-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis in an immunocompetent adult with tuberculosis

Ethambutol and pyrazinamide-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis in an immunocompetent adult with tuberculosis

Manifestations ophtalmologiques de la granulomatose de Wegener. Revue de la littérature à propos d’une observation

Wegener's granulomatosis mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, the lungs and the kidneys but many other organs and tissues may be affected, as well including any eye structures. Ocular and orbital structures involvement is frequently encountered, sometimes inaugural, with or without obvious systemic manifestations, sometimes leading to visual loss. The most frequent ophthalmic lesions are inflammatory orbital disease, (necrotising) scleritis with or without keratopathy, episcleritis, conjunctivitis and even conjunctival ulcer, nasolacrimal ducts obstruction, uveitis, retinal vasculitis and even central retinal vascular occlusion, optic neuritis. These ocular lesions result either from extensive granulomatous inflammation or from focal vasculitis. These complications need to be recognized as soon as possible so that an early diagnosis may allow the appropriate treatment meant to keep both visual and even general prognosis.

Conjunctival geographic ulcer and blepharitis in primary ocular herpes: a case report

IntroductionConjunctival geographic ulcer is a rare manifestation of ocular herpes simplex. Geographic ulcers are formed when sloughing of the epithelium occurs in the areas between the dendrite and a broad area of epithelial involvement with irregular angulated borders is formed.Case presentationWe report a case of primary ocular herpes with blepharitis and geographic ulceration of the conjunctiva in an 8-year-old male with no corneal lesion. To the best of our knowledge only 4 cases of conjunctival herpetic dendritic ulcerations and a single case of herpetic geographical ulcer have been reported in literature till date.ConclusionThis is a rare clinical presentation of primary ocular herpes and ophthalmologists need to be aware and vigilant of this, as one of the myriad manifestations of primary ocular herpes, thereby providing appropriate therapy/treatment.

Conjunctival ulcer - Mucocutaneous or ocular manifestation of Behets disease?

Conjunctival ulcer - Mucocutaneous or ocular manifestation of Behets disease?

Posttraumatic Cellulitis and Ulcerative Conjunctivitis Caused by Yersinia enterocolitica O:8

A 55-year-old white man presented with orbital cellulitis and suspicion of an intraorbital foreign body after ocular trauma. He underwent orbital exploration, but no intraorbital foreign bodies were identified. Intraoperative orbital and conjunctival cultures grew Yersinia enterocolitica O:8. The patient's signs and symptoms resolved with intravenous antibiotic treatment after this exploratory orbitotomy. This is the first case, to our knowledge, of human orbital cellulitis caused by Y. enterocolitica O:8. The single visible interpalpebral conjunctival ulceration was suspected to be an entry wound by the patient's primary physician, the emergency room physician, and the orbital surgeon prior to surgical investigation, at which time all the other ulcerations were identified. Therefore, the physical manifestations of this rare but important infection are presented because they may mislead clinicians in suspecting an intraorbital foreign body.

Ligneous conjunctivitis in a patient with Crohn′s disease

Report the case of a patient with Crohn's disease and ligneous conjunctivitis. Interventional case report of a 27-year old female patient, with a 4-year history of Crohn's disease, was seen for right eye conjunctival ulcer after resolved chemical trauma. Conjunctival biopsy was performed for histopathology, immunofluorescence microscopy, and immunohistochemistry testing. Microbiology tests were negative for bacteria and fungi. PCR was negative for atypical mycobacteria and Herpes. Ocular Crohn's disease, Whipple disease, and amyloidosis were ruled out. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed characteristic IgG kappa and lambda light chain deposits, and fibrin deposition was confirmed through Lendrum's Martius, Scarlet, and Blue technique. Endogenous plasminogen levels were normal. Recurrent ulcers did not resolve after treatment with infliximab, but only after four surgeries, topical steroids, 1% cyclosporine, heparin (5000 units/ml), and hyaluronidase (1.5 mg/ml). After 9 months of follow-up, nasal symblepharon was observed as sequela. We report the case of a patient with unilateral ligneous conjunctivitis, triggered by chemical injury, and Crohn's disease.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae-Associated Mucositis with Minimal Skin Manifestations

Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated mucositis is a rarely described complication of M. pneumoniae infection presenting with ocular, oral, and genital involvement but without the typical skin lesions seen in Stevens-Johnson syndrome. A 27-year-old man with a past history of asthma presented at the emergency room with a 1-week history of cough (initially non-productive but subsequently associated with non-bloody mucopurulent sputum), fever, myalgias, headache, and progressive dyspnea. Two days before admission he had commenced amoxicillin/clavulanic acid with no improvement. The patient reported bilateral conjunctival injection and hemorrhagic ulcers on the lips commencing the day prior to admission. Physical examination revealed fever (39 degrees C), bilateral exudative conjunctivitis, painful hemorrhagic ulcers on the lips, tongue, and oral mucosa, small scrotal erosions, erythema of the penile meatus, and small erythematous bullae on the dorsum of each hand; subsequently, the patient developed bullae at the venipuncture site on his right arm. Laboratory tests revealed positive IgM serology for M. pneumoniae, with titer elevation. The patient was successfully treated with levofloxacin and prednisolone. Our case appears to be the first adult patient described with M. pneumoniae-associated mucositis, which has previously been reported only in pediatric patients. This is also the first reported instance of a case of M. pneumoniae-associated mucositis treated with levofloxacin and prednisolone. M. pneumoniae infection should be considered in all cases of mucositis, and treatment of this condition with levofloxacin and prednisolone seems to be effective.

Primary Conjunctival Herpetic Geographic Ulcer in an Immunocompetent Patient

Herpes simplex virus ocular infections have been recognized as a major cause of corneal blindness in the developed world. The major signs of a primary infection are limited to the lids, conjunctiva, and cornea. Presence of a conjunctival dendrite without corneal involvement has been reported. Although conjunctival ulceration has been associated with recurrent attacks, it has not been documented as a manifestation of primary herpetic infection. We report a case of primary herpetic infection with geographic conjunctival ulcer with multiple corneal dendrites.

Primary conjunctival herpetic geographic ulcer in an immunocompetent patient

Herpes simplex virus ocular infections are a major cause of corneal blindness in the developed world. Signs of a primary infection are limited to the lids, conjunctiva and cornea. The presence of a conjunctival dendrite without corneal involvement has been reported. Although conjunctival ulceration has been associated with recurrent attacks, it has not been documented as a manifestation of primary herpetic infection. We report a case of primary herpetic infection with geographic conjunctival ulcer with multiple corneal dendrites.

Bilateral Actinomycotic Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis

Actinomycotic conjunctivitis is usually unilateral and secondary to canaliculitis. We report an unusual case of bilateral actinomycotic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in the absence of canaliculitis. Keratitis ocurred without any preceding ocular trauma. Both eyes had remissions and relapses in response to the antibiotic-steroid drops. Diagnosis of A. israelii infection was made on the basis of Gram staining, culture and biochemical characteristics. Complete excision of the conjunctival ulcer along with penicillin therapy resulted in cure. This case highlights that microorganisms of the order Actinomycetales should be considered in the differential diagnosis if conjunctivitis or keratitis shows a waxing and waning course.

Isolated conjunctival ulcerations as the first sign of Behets disease.

To report an unusual incident of isolated conjunctival ulcerations which preceded all other signs of Behets disease. Description of a 34-year-old woman of West Indian origin with an unremarkable medical history presenting with bilateral bulbar conjunctival ulcerations. The authors noted the presence of a diffuse bilateral conjunctival hyperemia which was more pronounced at the temporal bulbar conjunctiva of the right eye and the nasal conjunctiva of the left eye, each having one ulceration. The rest of the ophthalmologic examination was normal. One month later, the appearance of buccogenital aphthosis led to the diagnosis of Behets disease. This observation is unusual, as the conjunctival ulcerations are isolated and precede the onset of all other symptoms of Behets disease. Conjunctival ulcerations are rarely seen with Behets disease, but are characteristic enough to be included among the diagnostic criteria.

Visual aspects of behçet’s disease

Behçet's disease is a systemic vasculitis characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers and ocular inflammation. The disease may also involve the joints, skin, central nervous system, the lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Ocular manifestations include anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, macular edema, retinal vasculitis, conjunctival ulcers, optic neuropathy, papilledema, secondary glaucoma, cataract, and neovascularization of iris or retina. The cause of Behçet's disease is unknown, but autoimmune and genetic factors are considered important in its pathogenesis. Promising new imaging techniques and treatments are available to provide better management for patients. This review focuses on recent data on visual aspects, pathogenesis, and the treatment of Behçet's disease.

Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Acute Phase of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis with Severe Corneal Involvement

To report successful management of acute stage toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) by amniotic membrane transplantation. Interventional case report. METHOD/INTERVENTION: A 6-year-old boy who had convulsions and fever due to encephalitis was treated by oral phenobarbital. Two weeks later, he developed a high fever and skin rashes involving >40% of the body, with a positive Nikolsky sign and oral blisters. Examination under general anesthesia performed 5 days after the onset of eye symptoms showed severe inflammation and ulceration on the lid margin and the tarsal conjunctiva in both eyes, a total corneal epithelial defect in the right eye, and a geographical corneal epithelial defect in the left eye. Amniotic membrane was transplanted in both eyes as a patch to cover the entire ocular surface, including upper and lower lid margins. Fourteen days after amniotic membrane transplantation, complete corneal and conjunctival epithelialization was observed in the left eye. However, a second amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in the right eye, which still had a total corneal and conjunctival epithelial defect, and resulted in complete epithelialization 14 days later. Corrected visual acuity improved to 20/16 without any superficial punctate keratitis in both eyes 6 months postoperatively. Minimal symblepharon and peripheral scarring were observed only in the right eye. Amniotic membrane transplantation performed at the acute phase of TEN is highly effective not only in reducing inflammation and preventing scarring in the conjunctival surface, but also in restoring corneal epithelial integrity in eyes with both corneal and conjunctival ulceration. As a result, in this case it prevented sight-threatening cicatricial complications at the chronic stage.

Visual aspects of BehÇet’s disease

Behçet's disease is a systemic vasculitis characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers and ocular inflammation. The disease may also involve the joints, skin, central nervous system, the lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Ocular manifestations include anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, macular edema, retinal vasculitis, conjunctival ulcers, optic neuropathy, papilledema, secondary glaucoma, cataract, and neovascularization of iris or retina. The cause of Behçet's disease is unknown but autoimmune and genetic factors are considered important in its pathogenesis. Promising new imaging techniques and treatments are available to provide better management for patients. This review focuses on recent data on visual aspects, pathogenesis, and the treatment of Behçet's disease.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus: a case report and review of literature

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is an autoimmune mucocutaneous disease frequently associated with lymphoproliferative disorders. The rare combination of the disease with other malignancies such as different types of carcinomas, sarcomas, melanoma and skin tumours has also been reported. Most patients develop very severe oral ulceration and conjunctival ulceration with or without genital ulceration resembling the features of Steven's Johnson's syndrome or most severe forms of drug eruptions. The possibility of PNP should be borne in mind when a patient presents with extensive oral ulceration if clinical, histopathological and results of direct immunofluorescence are not pathognomonic for a specific diagnosis. The issue becomes even more important as some patients with PNP have no diagnosed malignancy at the time of presentation. We document a case of PNP in a 29-year-old female who suffers from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Correlation of Corneal Complications with Eyelid Cicatricial Pathologies in Patients with Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome

To look at the correlation between many factors (time of hospitalization, floppy eyelid syndrome, trichiasis, open lacrimal puncta, symblepharon, and aqueous tear deficiency) and corneal complications in Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Observational cases series. Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed from 38 patients (32.7+/-20.1 years old) with SJS (n = 11) and with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TENS) (n = 27) from January 2002 to August 2004. One case report with SJS was included to verify the presence of tarsal/lid margin ulceration at the acute stage. The medical history was retrieved regarding presumed causative medications used within 15 days and the duration of hospitalization. Data of the latest photographic documentation and eye examination were compared and correlated in a masked fashion. Floppy eyelid, trichiasis, lid margin keratinization, meibomian gland orifice metaplasia, symblepharon, tarsal scar, and corneal complications. Acute SJS/TENS was characterized by tarsal conjunctival ulceration. Keratinization of the eyelid margin with variable degrees of meibomian gland dysfunction was observed in all cases. Floppy eyelid, trichiasis, partially or totally opened lacrimal punctum, symblepharon, and aqueous tear deficiency were not significantly correlated with corneal complications. In contrast, there was a strong correlation between the severity of eyelid margin and tarsal pathology and the extent of corneal complications (Spearman r, 0.54; P = 0.0005). A multivariable regression analysis also showed that the extent of eyelid and tarsal pathology had a significant effect on corneal complications (coefficient, 0.84; P = 0.006). Patients with acute SJS/TENS are characterized by severe inflammation and ulceration of the tarsal conjunctiva and lid margins. If left unattended, lid margin keratinization and tarsal scar, together with lipid tear deficiency, contribute to corneal complications because of blink-related microtrauma. Attempts to suppress inflammation and scarring by amniotic membrane transplantation at the acute stage and to prevent microtrauma at the chronic stage are vital to avoid sight-threatening complications.

Ocular complications in the Department of Defense Smallpox Vaccination Program

Objective The purpose of this case series was to present an overview of the nature and frequency of ocular complications in the Department of Defense (DoD) Smallpox Vaccination Program. Design Retrospective, noncomparative case series. Participants The authors retrospectively evaluated data collected on individuals with an ophthalmologic complaint after receiving smallpox vaccination or after contact with a recently immunized individual. The vaccinee and contact cases occurred secondary to inoculations given between December 13, 2002 and May 28, 2003 as part of the DoD Smallpox Vaccination Program. Methods Data were collected primarily from reports to military headquarters or to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System and individual medical records. Main outcome measures The incidence, types, and timing of ocular complications were evaluated. Diagnostic and treatment considerations also were reviewed. Results Between December 13, 2002 and May 28, 2003, 450,293 smallpox vaccinations were given. We identified 16 confirmed or probable cases of ocular vaccinia, with an incidence of 3.6 per 100,000 inoculations. Of these cases, 12 (75%) were seen in the vaccinees, and 4 (25%) in close contacts. Of the 12 self-inoculation cases, 7 (58.3%) were seen in individuals receiving the vaccine for the first time (primary vaccination), and 3 (25.0%) were seen in individuals previously vaccinated (revaccination); the vaccination status in 2 cases was unknown. Clinical manifestations included lid pustules, blepharitis, periorbital cellulitis, conjunctivitis, conjunctival ulcers, conjunctival membranes, limbal pustules, corneal infiltrates, and iritis, with onset of symptoms 3 to 24 days after inoculation or contact. Five of 9 tested cases were culture or polymerase chain reaction positive for vaccinia. Treatment for most cases was topical trifluridine 1% (Viroptic; King Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol, TN). Vaccinia immune globulin was used in 1 case. In all patients, recovery occurred without significant visual sequelae. Conclusions When compared with historical data on the ocular complications of smallpox vaccination, the incidence of ocular complications during the DoD Smallpox Vaccination program has been low. In addition, the severity of disease seems to be less than during other vaccination periods. These findings perhaps are the result of improved screening of vaccinees, prevaccination counseling, postvaccination wound care, and the suggested efficacy of trifluridine in the treatment of ocular vaccinia.

Ocular side effects and complications of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection

With the advent of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonid injections major focus was assigned to potential ocular side effects. The current discussion is dominated by the potential cytotoxicity of particular biologically incompatible components. Those are regarded as substantial pathogenetic factor of the sterile pseudoendophthalmitis that seems to be avoidable by meticulous purification of the commercially available preparations. Even sustained subretinal or epiretinal deposits disclosed no signs of retinal toxicity. Major ocular side effects comprise temporary corticosteroid glaucoma and progressive cataract formation. Infectious endophthalmitis represents a rare but serious complication that might be set into critical context with hygienic surgical standards applied. Due to steroid-induced immune suppression clinical signs of inflammation might be masked and a proper diagnosis delayed. Other rare complications reported include a transient central retinal artery occlusion, conjunctival ulcerations, retinal detachment and potential reactivation of a cytomegalovirus retinitis. In conclusion, ocular side effects and complications show a wide variety of clinical signs and underlying causal mechanisms. However, the consequences are mostly temporary and show a good response to therapeutic intervention.