Choroidal blastomycosis. A report of two cases.

PURPOSE: To review the presentation and course of choroidal blastomycosis, a rare chorioretinal mycotic infection, which results from disseminated blastomycosis.

METHODS

Two cases of disseminated blastomycosis with ocular infection limited to the choroid are presented. Each patient was diagnosed through biopsy of skin lesions demonstrating the characteristic histologic features and the budding yeast.

RESULTS

Systemic evaluation revealed extensive disseminated disease with involvement of the eye, lung, skin, bone and joint, central nervous system, and genitourinary system. Both patients were successfully treated with intravenous amphotericin B with elimination of ocular and systemic disease.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, blastomycosis can result in choroidal mycotic infection in immune competent individuals. Tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and extensive systemic evaluation are required.