[Endogenous endophthalmitis as a complication in erysipelas]

Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2013 Nov;140(11):718-21. doi: 10.1016/j.annder.2013.07.023. Epub 2013 Sep 24.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Background: Endogenous endophthalmitis is a devastating infection of the eye that leads to blindness in about two-thirds of patients. It results from the haematogenous spread of a microorganism from a focus of sepsis, mainly gastro-intestinal, genitourinary or cardiac.

Patients and methods: We describe the case of a diabetic subject presenting endogenous endophthalmitis following erysipelas of the leg due to Streptococcus agalactiae. The outcome was favourable thanks to prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Discussion: Endogenous endophthalmitis as a complication of a skin infection is a rare entity, with only about 30 reported cases in the literature. Awareness of this condition among dermatologists would allow prompt intervention, which is essential for sparing of the patient's eyesight.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Diabète de type 2; Endogenous endophthalmitis; Endophtalmie endogène; Erysipelas; Streptococcus agalactiae; Érysipèle.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteremia / drug therapy
  • Bacteremia / etiology
  • Bacteremia / microbiology
  • Ceftazidime / therapeutic use
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Endophthalmitis / drug therapy
  • Endophthalmitis / etiology*
  • Endophthalmitis / microbiology
  • Erysipelas / complications*
  • Erysipelas / drug therapy
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / etiology*
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Imipenem / therapeutic use
  • Intertrigo / complications
  • Intertrigo / drug therapy
  • Leg
  • Levofloxacin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / complications
  • Streptococcus agalactiae* / isolation & purification
  • Uveitis, Anterior / drug therapy
  • Uveitis, Anterior / etiology
  • Uveitis, Anterior / microbiology
  • Vancomycin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Levofloxacin
  • Vancomycin
  • Imipenem
  • Ceftazidime