Palpebral anthrax, a rare though important condition in villagers: A case report and literature review

Abstract

The aerobic Gram-positive rod Bacillus anthracis can cause potentially lethal diseases affecting different organs. Localized eyelid inflammation is a rare presentation of cutaneous anthrax. This case report involves two patients with palpebral anthrax admitted to the oculoplastic ward of Feiz Eye Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. The patients had a history of close contact with animals. Clinical presentation included palpebral swelling and necrosis of the eyelids in both cases. The patients first underwent an appropriate antibiotic regimen, and biopsy specimens were collected from their necrotic tissues. They were discharged after complete healing and followed up to manage possible complications. Cicatricial ectropion developed in both cases during healing. Reconstructive surgery was scheduled for both cases 6 months after their discharge.

Keywords

• Anthrax
• Eyelid
• Palpebral
• Ectropion