Ocular Toxocariasis Presenting as Endophthalmitis in a Young Adult Intravenous Drug User. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Singh, Pali P.; Robbins, Cason B.; Feng, Henry L.; Borkar, Durga S.; Fekrat, Sharon
• Is Part Of: Journal of vitreoretinal diseases. Volume 5:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 170
• Page End: 172
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: endophthalmitis -- intravenous drug use -- ocular toxocariasis; Retina -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Vitreous body -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Retina -- Diseases; Vitreous body -- Diseases; Periodicals; 617.735005
• DOI: 10.1177/2474126420946587
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2474-1264

Abstract

Purpose: This report describes the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis presenting as endophthalmitis in an adult intravenous drug user. Methods: A case is reported. Results: Fundus imaging showed numerous white opacities obscuring the macula. Toxocara canis serology was reactive with an enzyme immunoassay titer of 1:2 (positive ≥ 1:32). Findings from bacterial and fungal cultures were negative, and vitrectomy cytology revealed no organisms. Postoperatively, serial optical coherence tomography imaging demonstrated a slight decrease in size of an intraretinal hyperreflective lesion in the macula. Conclusions: Owing to a variety of presentations, ocular toxocariasis can be challenging to diagnose. In a patient with a history of intravenous drug use where fungal and bacterial organisms are more common causes of endophthalmitis, it is important to have a wide differential of causative organisms, particularly in the context of negative culture results and a worsening clinical examination.