Endogenous endophthalmitis after otitis media.

PURPOSE: To report a case of bacterial endophthalmitis after otitis media in a healthy adult.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

A healthy 49-year-old Caucasian woman developed acute otitis media of the right ear. Three weeks after the first onset there was a recurrence of the otitis media, with perforation of the tympanic membrane. Two days after this, the woman presented at our clinic with endophthalmitis of the right eye.

RESULTS

A culture of vitreous material grew Streptococcus pyogenes (Streptococcus Lancefield group A). The same strain was found in a smear from the perforated ear. Despite aggressive treatment, the affected eye had to be eviscerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Otitis media can result in a bacteremia. This may, even in a healthy adult, lead to a devastating endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis.