Retinal Fibrovascular Proliferation associated with Nocardia Subretinal Abscess

Abstract

Purpose

To report the development of extensive fibrovascular proliferation in association with Nocardia subretinal abscess. METHOD. Case report.

Results

Extensive retinal neovascularization with fractional retinal detachment developed soon after ocular involvement in a 61-year-old patient with systemic nocardiosis. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed extensive area of capillary nonperfusion and severe leakage from the neovascular complex. The Nocardia subretinal abscess responded to systemic antibiotics, and the retinal neovascularization and fractional retinal detachment stabilized after 3 months.

Conclusions

Retinal ischemia and severe retinal neovascularization may complicate intraocular nocardiosis. The authors propose secondary retinal vasculitis as a contributing factor towards the development of retinal ischemia in this setting.