Bacillary angiomatosis of the anterior orbit, eyelid, and conjunctiva.

PURPOSE: To report a case of bacillary angiomatosis of the lower eyelid, conjunctiva, and anterior orbit.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

A 76-year-old immunocompromised male patient developed a firm vascularized nodule in his left lower eyelid and anterior orbit.

RESULTS

An excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed an abnormal vascular proliferation and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. A Warthin-Starry stain showed numerous bacilli. These findings are characteristic of bacillary angiomatosis. A serologic specimen was positive for antibodies to Bartonella Quintana.

CONCLUSION

The lower lid and anterior orbit are rare locations for bacillary angiomatosis. Our case brings to attention the increasing importance of Bartonella infection as a causative agent of ophthalmic diseases.