Endogenous endophthalmitis simulating retinoblastoma. The 1993 David and Mary Seslen Endowment Lecture.

BACKGROUND

Among conditions that can simulate retinoblastoma, endogenous endophthalmitis is quite rare.

METHODS

Case records of six children with unusual forms of endogenous endophthalmitis, all of whom were referred to the authors because retinoblastoma was a strong diagnostic consideration, were reviewed. The clinical features that may help differentiate atypical endophthalmitis from retinoblastoma were investigated.

RESULTS

The final diagnosis in these cases included idiopathic subretinal abscess, streptococcal endophthalmitis, idiopathic retinovitreal abscess, cytomegalovirus endophthalmitis, Candida endophthalmitis, and meningococcal endophthalmitis. All of the affected children presented primarily with ocular findings without serious systemic infection. Although these conditions closely simulated retinoblastoma, they were more likely to have signs of concurrent or prior inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Differentiation between infectious conditions and retinoblastoma can sometimes be difficult, but clues as to the diagnosis can be obtained from careful clinical examination.