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Complexities in diagnosing and treating endophthalmitis in the post stem cell transplant setting
  1. Peter Conlon1,
  2. Margaret Creedon2,
  3. Elaine Houlihan2 and
  4. Sadhbh O'Rourke2
  1. 1Haematology Department, St James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
  2. 2Clinical Microbiology, HSE, Dublin, Ireland
  1. Correspondence to Dr Peter Conlon; peter.conlon92{at}gmail.com

Abstract

Endophthalmitis is a rare but sight-threatening manifestation of systemic infection. Immunosuppression is a well-recognised risk factor for development of endophthalmitis. Determining the aetiology can be complex, particularly in the context of immunosuppression, we present the diagnostic and treatment dilemmas associated with a patient who complains of blurred vision 2 weeks following an allogeneic stem cell transplant for refractory Hodgkin’s disease. We demonstrate that in the context of immunosuppression post stem cell transplantation, a broad differential should be maintained until a microbiological diagnosis can be confirmed. In particular, we evaluate how clinical suspicion can diverge from typical fundoscopic findings in the diagnosis of endophthalmitis.

  • Haematology (incl blood transfusion)
  • Infectious diseases
  • Ophthalmology

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Footnotes

  • Twitter @PeterConlon92

  • Contributors All authors were involved in the conception of this report and contributed substantially to the writing and submission of this report.

  • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

  • Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research. They should not be used in isolation to guide treatment choices or public health policy.

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.