Exposed Scleral Buckle Causing Atypical Mycobacterial Infection.

Abstract

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg, Vol. 36, No. 3, 2020 e83 Mycobacterium fortuitum is a rare opportunistic infection. A 84-year-old woman presented with a 4-week history of purulent discharge from the right eye. Her past medical history includes diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis treated with abatacept (Orencia). On examination, she had right phthisis bulbi with an exposed and infected scleral buckle (Fig. A, arrow). Enucleation with removal of the exposed scleral buckle band was performed. Cultures revealed M. fortuitum. No implant was placed at the time of the enucleation. Postoperatively, the patient worsened despite therapy with bacteria-sensitive oral Ciprofloxacin. Clinically, the discharge improved but the pain and swelling persisted. CT imaging was obtained postoperatively and revealed that the entire right orbit was f illed with an enhancing amorphous material consistent with extensive atypical mycobacterial soft tissue infection (Fig. B). Infectious disease consultation recommended an extended course of trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole, cefoxitin, and amikacin. The patient recovered without complications. This report illustrates a rare case of extensive atypical mycobacterial infection of the orbit caused by exposed scleral buckle.