Ocular Nocardiosis: A Case Report. (3rd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Angermann, Reinhard; Stattin, Martin; Zehetner, Claus
• Is Part Of: Ocular immunology and inflammation. Volume 27:Number 7(2019)
• Page Start: 1114
• Page End: 1116
• Publication Date: 2019-10-03
• Subjects: Choroidal abscess -- endogenous dissemination -- immunosuppression -- ocular nocardiosis; Eye -- Diseases -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Eye -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2018.1506041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0927-3948

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose : To describe the challenging diagnosis of ocular nocardiosis in a patient with anaplastic astrocytoma Methods : A 56-year-old patient with recurrent cerebral anaplastic astrocytoma and a history of surgical resection, who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, presented with a unilateral white subretinal mass at the posterior pole of his left eye. Vitrectomy and fine-needle biopsy of the vitreous as well as the subretinal mass were performed. Results : Magnetic resonance imaging verified progression of the lesion's size at follow-up. Histopathological workup of the material revealed gram-positive filamentous bacteria consistent with Nocardia cyriacigeorgica . Conclusion : Endogenous Nocardia should be suspected in case of choroidal abscess in immunocompromised patients. Clinical diagnosis is challenging; therefore, early subretinal biopsy should be considered to facilitate treatment decision.