Delayed-Onset Propionibacterium acnes Endophthalmitis in the Absence of Capsular Complex Following Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lens: A Case Report

Abstract

Purpose:

This work reports a case of delayed-onset Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis in a patient with scleral-fixated intraocular lens (IOL), successfully treated with intravitreal antibiotics and steroids.

Methods:

Patient underwent complete ophthalmic examinations over 2 years. Vitreous cultures, optical coherence tomography, anterior segment and fundus photographs, and fluorescein angiogram were performed.

Results:

A 78-year-old man with dislocated IOL underwent IOL removal and scleral-fixated AO60. He did well for 2 months but returned 9 months later with vision loss. Examination revealed low-grade inflammation and multiple IOL opacities. Vitreous culture grew P acnes. He was treated with intravitreal clindamycin followed by dexamethasone for macular edema without IOL explantation. A year after treatment no inflammation or macular edema was noted.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first case of P acnes endophthalmitis following scleral sutured IOL. Treatment with intravitreal injections alone, without IOL explantation, was effective, possibly because of the absence of capsular complex.