Decisive role of histopathology of lens capsule in the diagnosis of chronic fungal postoperative endophthalmitis

Abstract

Abstract We report three cases of refractory chronic endophthalmitis after cataract surgery presenting to a referral center, and with repeated negative cultures. Initial treatment consisted of intravitreal and systemic antibiotics, with partial improvement. After subsequent worsening, pars plana vitrectomy, intraocular lens explantation and en bloc capsulectomy were performed. Histopathological examination revealed multiple filamentous fungal structures, sequestered between anterior/posterior lens capsule in all cases. Chronic postoperative fungal endophthalmitis may manifest with negative cultures possibly associated with sequestration of the microorganism into the capsular bag. Careful histopathological examination of lens capsule in these cases may be essential for a definite diagnosis.

Keywords

• Chronic endophthalmitis
• Fungi
• Cataract surgery
• Intraocular lens
• Intraocular inflammation
• Uveitis