Mycobacterium chelonae Endogenous Endophthalmitis in a Person Addicted to Intravenous Drugs Presenting as an Intraretinal Peripapillary Granuloma With Tractional Retinal Detachment

Abstract

Purpose:

To report a case of Mycobacterium chelonae endogenous endophthalmitis in a 28-year-old man with recent intravenous drug use that presented as an intraretinal peripapillary granuloma extending from the optic nerve head with an associated macular tractional retinal detachment.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

Anterior chamber tap yielded aqueous cultures positive for M chelonae. A diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy was performed after inpatient hospitalization for 3 weeks to relieve a progressively worsening tractional retinal detachment.

Conclusions:

Atypical causes of endophthalmitis, including nontuberculous mycobacterium, in the population of individuals addicted to intravenous drugs may present with intraretinal peripapillary granuloma associated with a macular tractional retinal detachment. Surgical debulking to relieve anteroposterior traction is an effective treatment option to improve long-term visual outcomes.