Nocardia choroidal abscess in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PURPOSE: Nocardia asteroides, a respiratory saprophyte in humans, may cause localized infection of the lungs in debilitated or immunosuppressed individuals. Haematogenous spread to the eye via the choroidal circulation may result in choroidal abscess formation.

METHOD: We report the development of a choroidal abscess in the left eye of a woman treated with steroids and cyclophosphamide for systemic lupus erythematosus. Haematogenous spread of N. asteroides from a localized infection of the lung (empyema) is thought to have been the cause of the choroidal abscess.

RESULTS

Surgical drainage of the empyema combined with intravenously administered antibiotics resulted in resolution of the choroidal abscess and improvement of vision.

CONCLUSIONS

A choroidal abscess, caused by haematogenous spread of N. asteroides, may respond to appropriate systemic antibiotic treatment alone and not require ocular treatment.