Intravenous Drug Use-Associated Scopulariopsis Endophthalmitis Treated with Systemic and Intravitreal Voriconazole

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of intravenous (i.v.) heroin use-associated endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Scopulariopsis fungal species, and its response to intravitreal and oral voriconazole treatments. Patient: A 21-year-old-female with chronic hepatitis C and i.v. heroin use presented with subacute decreased vision to hand motion in her left eye. Results: Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis caused by Scopulariopsis was confirmed by vitreous biopsy. The patient improved clinically after vitrectomy with intravitreal voriconazole and 3 weeks of oral voriconazole. The final vision was 20/60 after 6 months. Conclusions: Scopulariopsis is a rare cause of endophthalmitis, and is often difficult to treat due to its resistance to commonly used antifungals. This case is the first report of Scopulariopsis endophthalmitis secondary to i.v. drug use.

Keywords

• Endogenous
• Endophthalmitis
• Fungal
• Intravenous drug abuse
• Scopulariopsis