Intraocular Inflammation and Palpable Purpura in a Patient with Interstitial Pasteurella multocida Pneumonia.

PURPOSE: We describe a case of intraocular inflammation and palpable purpura in a patient with Pasteurella multocida pneumonia.

METHODS

A 75-year-old pseudophakic woman with type-2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complained of lower limb palpable purpura and right vision loss of five-day duration. On admission, right visual acuity was hand motion. Slit-lamp examination disclosed severe conjunctival and ciliary injection, corneal oedema, 3-mm hypopyon with heavy fibrin accumulation and blood clots, and synechiae to the IOL.

RESULTS

Chest computed tomography revealed interstitial pneumonia. Sputum culture yielded P. multocida. Amoxicillin/clavulanic tablets (1 g × 3/daily) and topical and systemic steroids were given. Later on, fluorescein angiography showed multiple choroidal lesions bilaterally. With the above-mentioned therapy, there was full recovery of the skin, lung, and eye lesions.

CONCLUSION

This report emphasizes that P. multocida infection should be considered in patients with intraocular inflammation, palpable purpura, and interstitial pneumonia. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for a correct diagnosis and management.