Exophiala jeanselmei causing late endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of late endophthalmitis caused by Exophiala jeanselmei after cataract surgery.

METHODS

Case reports, including clinical evaluation, direct examination, and culture of the aqueous humor.

RESULTS

In each case, samples from the anterior chamber had positive growth of yeasts with toruloid hyphae and pseudohyphae. Intravitreal and anterior chamber amphotericin B were used in both cases. Apparent clinical resolution was achieved, but after 3 months in one case and 6 months in the other the infection recurred more aggressively, with severe endophthalmitis leading to ocular atrophy.

CONCLUSION

E. jeanselmei causes a severe intraocular infection and isolation, and identification of the agent ensures proper diagnosis and treatment. After clinical resolution of the infection, careful and long-term follow-up is recommended to promptly detect relapse and immediately reintroduce treatment.