Enucleation following treatment with intravenous pentamidine for Acanthamoeba sclerokeratitis

Abstract

Rebecca A Kuennen, Reynell Harder Smith, Thomas F Mauger, Elson CraigDepartment of Ophthalmology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USAPurpose: To describe the course and outcome of treatment of advanced Acanthamoeba sclerokeratitis with intravenous pentamidine.Methods: A case of advanced Acanthamoeba sclerokeratitis was resistant to conventional therapy and was treated with intravenous pentamidine. The eye was later removed due to incapacitating pain.Results: The eye showed Acanthamoeba organisms within the cornea and evidence of acute and chronic inflammation throughout the remainder of the eye. The patient has survived without orbital recurrence for 2 years.Conclusions: This case demonstrates late inflammation with active Acanthameoba keratitis following systemic pentamidine therapy.Keywords: keratitis, scleritis