[Endogenous Nocardia asteroides endophthalmitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus].

Abstract

We report a case of endogenous nocardial endophthalmitis in a 32-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus. The patient developed pulmonary and ocular disease while on systemic corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide treatment. The intraocular infection progressed to a scleral fistula, and was treated with pars plana vitrectomy, lensectomy, intravitreous and intravenous antibacterial therapy. The diagnosis of Nocardia asteroides was made by isolation and growth of colonies from samples of a vitreous specimen and bronchioloalveolar aspirates. The eye became phthisical, it was eviscerated, and histopathogical examination was carried out.