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Purpose: To develop and evaluate an automated, portable algorithm to differentiate active corneal ulcers from healed scars using only external photographs., Design: A convolutional neural network was trained and tested using photographs of corneal ulcers and scars., Participants: De-identified photographs of corneal ulcers were obtained from the Steroids for Corneal Ulcers Trial (SCUT), Mycotic Ulcer Treatment Trial (MUTT), and Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University., Methods: Photographs of corneal ulcers (n = 1313) and scars (n = 1132) from the SCUT and MUTT were used to train a convolutional neural network (CNN). The CNN was tested on 2 different patient populations from eye clinics in India (n = 200) and the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University (n = 101). Accuracy was evaluated against gold standard clinical classifications. Feature importances for the trained model were visualized using gradient-weighted class activation mapping., Main Outcome Measures: Accuracy of the CNN was assessed via F 1 score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to measure the precision-recall trade-off., Results: The CNN correctly classified 115 of 123 active ulcers and 65 of 77 scars in patients with corneal ulcer from India (F 1 score, 92.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 88.2%-95.8%]; sensitivity, 93.5% [95% CI, 89.1%-97.9%]; specificity, 84.42% [95% CI, 79.42%-89.42%]; ROC: AUC, 0.9731). The CNN correctly classified 43 of 55 active ulcers and 42 of 46 scars in patients with corneal ulcers from Northern California (F 1 score, 84.3% [95% CI, 77.2%-91.4%]; sensitivity, 78.2% [95% CI, 67.3%-89.1%]; specificity, 91.3% [95% CI, 85.8%-96.8%]; ROC: AUC, 0.9474). The CNN visualizations correlated with clinically relevant features such as corneal infiltrate, hypopyon, and conjunctival injection., Conclusions: The CNN classified corneal ulcers and scars with high accuracy and generalized to patient populations outside of its training data. The CNN focused on clinically relevant features when it made a diagnosis. The CNN demonstrated potential as an inexpensive diagnostic approach that may aid triage in communities with limited access to eye care., (Copyright © 2021 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Bacterial keratitis (BK), a painful and fulminant bacterial infection of the cornea, is the most common type of vision-threatening infectious keratitis (IK). A rapid clinical diagnosis by an ophthalmologist may often help prevent BK patients from progression to corneal melting or even perforation, but many rural areas cannot afford an ophthalmologist. Thanks to the rapid development of deep learning (DL) algorithms, artificial intelligence via image could provide an immediate screening and recommendation for patients with red and painful eyes. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the potentials of different DL algorithms for diagnosing BK via external eye photos. External eye photos of clinically suspected IK were consecutively collected from five referral centers. The candidate DL frameworks, including ResNet50, ResNeXt50, DenseNet121, SE-ResNet50, EfficientNets B0, B1, B2, and B3, were trained to recognize BK from the photo toward the target with the greatest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Via five-cross validation, EfficientNet B3 showed the most excellent average AUROC, in which the average percentage of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value was 74, 64, 77, and 61. There was no statistical difference in diagnostic accuracy and AUROC between any two of these DL frameworks. The diagnostic accuracy of these models (ranged from 69 to 72%) is comparable to that of the ophthalmologist (66% to 74%). Therefore, all these models are promising tools for diagnosing BK in first-line medical care units without ophthalmologists., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Purpose : To explore the performance of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) in the diagnosis of primary lacrimal canaliculitis. Methods : Subjects with relevant symptoms of canaliculitis were prospectively recruited. UBM and CDFI were performed for presumptive diagnosis. Microbiology and histopathology were performed for definitive diagnosis. Results : A total of 37 cases were recruited, including 25 cases of canaliculitis and 12 cases of non-canaliculitis. Pathogens were isolated in 13 canaliculitis cases, and the leading pathogens were Actinomyces (4 cases) and Streptococcus (4 cases). UBM and CDFI identified 24 canaliculitis cases (sensitivity = 96%) and 11 non-canaliculitis cases (specificity = 92%). The predictive factors for canaliculitis were lumen wall thickness >0.25 mm ( P = .019) and intracanalicular concretions ( P = .010). Other typical features were enlarged lumen (2.16 ± 0.25 mm) and hot-wheel sign-on CDFI (84%). These image findings were congruent with histopathologic changes. Conclusion : Ultrasonography is a valuable tool to assist the diagnosis of canaliculitis.(Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR1900025411).

Retrobulbar orbital abscess in children is a rare condition, and diagnosis and management can be challenging. We report the case of a 5-week-old male infant with retrobulbar orbital abscess secondary to acute dacryocystitis developed from a dacryocystocele. The patient presented with respiratory difficulty, sepsis and progressive clinical findings suggestive of post-septal cellulitis. He was successfully treated with endonasal incision of subturbinate dacryocystoceles followed by probing of the lacrimal ducts. Congenital dacryocystocele must be considered a differential diagnosis in infants with respiratory difficulty and may develop into a vision- and life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.

Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Introduction: Endogenous endopthalmitis is a diagnostically challenging ophthalmic and medical emergency. It has the ability to manifest at any age and is associated with a number of predisposing factors. The rapid progression of disease poses catastrophic risk for adverse outcomes both localised and systemic. To our knowledge, we describe the first reported iatrogenic case of endogenous Escherichia coli -induced endopthalmitis progressing to pan-endopthalmitis as a consequence of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography., Diagnosis, Interventions and Outcomes: The patient presented with reduced visual acuity and painless red eye; however, apart from biochemistry results suggesting biliary sepsis, no other clinical features of acute disease were noted. Despite rigorous systemic and intravitreal treatment, the rapid progression of disease led to irreversible damage to the eye., Conclusion: Clinicians must maintain a very high index of suspicion when encountering patients after interventional procedures, as misdiagnosis by trained ophthalmologists for endogenous endopthalmitis remains a common occurrence. Prompt identification and diagnosis ensured our patient avoided evisceration and early ophthalmic biopsies guaranteed the correct systemic intervention was started to address the severe subsequent septicaemia.

Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) is rare in children. Bartonella is a known cause of branch retinal artery occlusion in adults, but it is typically not considered in the differential diagnosis for pediatric BRAO. We present the case of a 12-year old boy with a BRAO caused by a Bartonella henselae infection. This is the youngest such case reported in the literature. Although rare, Bartonella infection may be an important and underrecognized cause of pediatric BRAO., (Copyright © 2019 American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

As rates of infectious syphilis continue to rise in the U.S., it is important to be familiar with known manifestations of ocular syphilis as well as report presentations not previously described in the literature. Here, the authors report a case of a 49-year-old myopic woman presenting with bilateral white dots characteristic of a white dot syndrome; these white dots were not evident on slit-lamp examination and became obvious on fundus autofluorescence. She tested positive and was successfully treated for syphilis. This case demonstrates that ocular syphilis can present with white dots and should be on the differential diagnosis of white dot syndromes. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:e52-e55.]., (Copyright 2019, SLACK Incorporated.)

Purpose : To describe the clinico-radiological features and long-term outcomes in patients with tubercular dacryoadenitis (TbD) Methods : Retrospective, observational study of TbD patients who underwent a thorough clinical examination, orbital imaging study, and tailored ancillary investigations. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microscopy were done in specific cases. A 4-drug anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) was started and clinical response was monitored in all. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months "off-ATT" were included. Results : All patients were women and three presented with pain, blepharoptosis, and bilateral involvement. In all, ESR was raised, Mantoux test was positive and orbital imaging revealed enlarged lacrimal gland/s. Positive PCR and granulomatous inflammation on microscopy were seen in two patients. At a mean follow-up of 17.25 months, all women responded with no relapse or clinical recurrence. Conclusion : Bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement, positive Mantoux & PCR with early response to ATT may provide sufficient evidence for diagnosing TbD.

Purpose: Acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) is an uncommon manifestation of ocular syphilis with distinct clinical features. We describe new multimodal imaging findings in a patient with ASPPC., Methods: Observational case report with multimodal imaging., Results: A 44-year-old woman presented with 5 days of decreased vision in her right eye. Visual acuity was counting fingers in her right eye and 20/20 in her left eye. Funduscopic examination of the right eye showed a yellow placoid macular lesion with extension beyond the equator, which was encircled by an annular ring of outer retinal whitening. Ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence demonstrated hyperautofluorescence corresponding to the placoid lesion. Examination of the left eye appeared unremarkable, but ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence showed an area of hyperautofluorescence located superonasal to the optic nerve. Optical coherence tomography of the right eye demonstrated subretinal fluid and overlying disruption of the ellipsoid zone. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated early hypofluorescent and hyperfluorescent spots and late staining within the placoid lesion. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed several areas of decreased flow signal within the placoid lesion at the level of the choriocapillaris. Laboratory testing revealed a rapid plasma reagin titer of 1:1,024. Two months after treatment with intravenous penicillin G, visual acuity had improved to 20/25 in her right eye, and optical coherence tomography showed partial restoration of the ellipsoid zone. The annular ring resolved with near normalization of fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography angiography demonstrated resolution of flow., Conclusion: Multimodal imaging provides further insight into the pathogenesis of ASPPC. Ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence may show evidence of ellipsoid zone disruption in areas that clinically appear normal. Flow voids within the choriocapillaris in ASPPC appear to resolve with appropriate treatment, a finding that suggests a transient disruption of choriocapillaris flow in ASPPC.

An immunocompromised patient had positive blood cultures for Mycobacterium intracellulare and no identifiable organ seeding was started on treatment. One month later, the patient was clinically well with negative blood cultures but drug-induced myelotoxicity had developed. Ocular fundus examination at this time revealed bilateral choroidal granulomas which changed patient management.

Purpose: To determine cellular features of fungal (FK), Acanthamoeba (AK), and bacterial keratitis (BK) using HRT3 in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM)., Design: Prospective observational cross-sectional study., Methods: Eligible participants were adults with microbiologically positive FK, AK, or BK, of size ≥ 3 mm, attending Aravind Eye Hospital from February 2012 to February 2013. Exclusion criteria were descemetocele or perforation. At presentation, IVCM imaging was performed, then corneal scrapes were obtained for culture/light microscopy. An experienced grader (masked to microbiology/clinical features) assessed IVCM images for presence/absence of normal keratocyte-like morphology, stellate interconnected cells with/without visible nuclei, dendritiform cells (DFCs), inflammatory cells in a honeycomb distribution, and organism features. Statistical significance was assessed by logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, ulcer size, and symptom duration. Main outcome measures were presence/absence of IVCM features in FK, AK, BK., Results: A total of 183 participants had FK, 18 AK, 17 BK. Acanthamoeba appeared as bright spots (16/18, 89%), double-walled cysts (15/18, 83%), or signet rings (3/18, 17%), and often formed clusters after topical steroid use (univariable odds ratio [OR] 9.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-97.96, P = .048). BK was associated with bullae in anterior stroma (OR 9.99, 95% CI: 3.11-32.06, P < .001). Honeycomb distribution of anterior stromal inflammatory cells was associated with FK (univariable OR 2.74, 95% CI: 1.01-7.40, P = .047). Aspergillus ulcers were associated with stromal DFCs (OR 11.05, 95% CI: 1.49-82.13, P = .019) and Fusarium ulcers with stellate appearance of interconnected cell processes with nuclei (OR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09-0.65, P = .005)., Conclusion: Specific cellular and structural features observed using IVCM in microbial keratitis may be associated with organism., (Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Aim: To present two cases of placoid chorioretinopathy (ocular syphilis and ocular tuberculosis) and underline the importance of differential diagnosis., Method: Two young female patients presented with unilateral loss of vision. Fundus examination showed yellowish placoid lesions in the posterior pole in both cases., Results: Performing fluorescein angiography and laboratory investigations, ocular syphilis was diagnosed in our first case and intraocular tuberculosis was diagnosed in our second case., Conclusion: It is important to determine the etiology of the placoid choriaretinopathies due to the different prognosis and therapy and the exclusion of systemic diseases. A comprehensive evaluation of these patients is inevitable for the correct diagnosis and appropriate management. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(22): 863-869.

Purpose: To report a unique case series of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinopathy (ASPPC) correlating en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT) with standard imaging modalities., Methods: In this retrospective case series, multimodal imaging was performed in three ASPPC patients at the time of disease presentation., Results: Clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with the diagnosis of ASPPC. In all the study patients, multiple hyperreflective dot-like lesions distributed in the macular area and observed with en-face OCT at the level of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) corresponded to the nodular RPE elevations on cross-sectional OCT and to the hyperautofluorescent spots on fundus autofluorescence. In addition, the cross-sectional OCT scans showed disorganization of the outer retinal bands and punctate choroidal hyperreflectivity., Conclusion: By combining en-face OCT with multimodal imaging analysis, we propose that a primary inflammation at the level of the choroid may be the pathogenic mechanism for the occurrence of outer retinal band abnormalities.

Acute dacryoadenitis with abscess formation has been rarely described. We describe four cases that resolved with incision and drainage. This includes a retrospective case series of four patients with radiologically confirmed lacrimal gland abscesses and a review of the reported cases in the literature. Computed tomography showed characteristic rim enhancing collections with central attenuation in all four cases. All patients presented with ptosis, upper eyelid erythema, and severe pain similar to scleritis. Injection of the conjunctiva and sclera was present in two patients, and a third patient presented with expression of purulent discharge onto the ocular surface upon palpation of the lacrimal gland. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics and underwent incision and drainage with subsequent improvement. All were monitored for 24 to 48 hours and discharged on oral antibiotics. There were no complications or recurrences. Lacrimal gland abscess formation is a rare complication of dacryoadenitis, and in our experience these patients respond well to incision and drainage in combination with systemic antibiotics.

Syphilis is an infectious disease that can cause a wide variety of ocular signs. One of the rarest manifestations of ocular syphilis is acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC). We report the case of an immunocompetent 38-year-old woman diagnosed with unilateral, atypical, acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis. Fundoscopic examination revealed a yellow-white, subretinal, placoid lesion at the posterior pole, which is typical sign of ASPPC. In the periphery of the retina, multifocal choroiditis was also found. Fundus and angiographic changes in ASPPC may mimic other chorioretinal diseases. Accurate diagnosis of ASPPC as a presenting sign of syphilis is important for the prompt initiation of systemic antibiotic treatment.

Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC). Methods: Retrospective study of 10 patients diagnosed ASPPC in the Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital from 2011 to 2016, including 6 males (10 eyes involved) and 4 females (8 eyes involved) with an age of (43.4±11.6) years (range, 26-60 years). Their clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics were summarized. Results: All 10 ASPPC patients complained about the reduction of visual acuity, and the majority of them had both eyes involved. The initial visual acuity ranged from finger count to 0.8, with an average of 0.4 and a median visual acuity of 0.3. The intraocular pressure was in the normal range. The inflammation of anterior chamber occurred in only one patient (1/10). The lesions were located at the posterior pole as shown on fundus photographs. There are six placoid lesions, four yellowish massive lesions and seven mixed lesions (placoid and yellowish massive lesions). Partial or whole disappearance, abnormality and opacity of the ellipsoid layer, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) nodules, and cells in the vitreous body were observed by optical coherence tomography. There were partial detachment between the neuronal retina and RPE layer with fine-sand like hypereflective dots. The lesion size and morphology on autofluorescence (AF), fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICG) were almost consistent with those on fundus photography. The lesions were hyperautofluorescent in a placoid or massive shape. The lesions on FFA showed slight hyperfluorescence with unclear edges from the venous phase, and the fluorescence increased with the time and leaked in the late phase. Vascular walls showed blood staining in the late phase. The lesions on ICG showed hypofluorescence with hyperfluorescence and hypofluorescence dots like fine needles in the middle and late phases. Conclusion: ASPPC mainly occurs among the young adults without gender difference. The characteristic is the contradiction between sever clinical symptoms and slight signs on the fundus. The lesion area shown on fundus photography, FFA, ICG and AF is consistent, as well as injuries of the ellipsoid layer, RPE nodules and cells in the vitreous body. The above manifestations and imaging characteristics of ASPPC are significant for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53:352 - 357) .

Purpose: To identify significant clinical and radiological findings that distinguish rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) from bacterial orbital cellulitis (BOC)., Methods: This study was retrospective, multicenter, case-control study that enrolled 34 cases; 14 cases were diagnosed with ROCM and 20 cases were diagnosed with BOC at three different tertiary hospitals between 2005 and 2013. The medical records of all 34 cases were reviewed. The initial clinical manifestations (eyelid swelling, ptosis, extraocular muscle [EOM] limitation, conjunctival injection, and chemosis) and computed tomography (CT) findings (sinus mucosal thickening, full opacification, and air-fluid level) of both diseases were compared., Results: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) showed higher incidence rates of ROCM than BOC (DM: p < 0.001, HTN: p = 0.036). ROCM cases exhibited more frequent EOM limitation than cases with BOC (100.0% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.024) but less frequent eyelid swelling (35.7% vs. 90.0%, p = 0.002). However, the incidence rates of ptosis, conjunctival injection, and chemosis exhibited no differences between the diseases. Abnormal CT findings were observed in the sinuses of all patients with ROCM, whereas 12 patients with BOC had sinus abnormalities (100.0% vs. 60.0%, p = 0.011). Thickening of the sinus mucosa was more frequent in patients with ROCM than in those with BOC (92.9% vs. 45.0%, p = 0.009). No significant differences in full opacification or air-fluid level were detected between the groups., Conclusions: The differential diagnosis of ROCM and BOC is difficult. Nevertheless, physicians should consider ROCM when a patient with suspected orbital cellulitis presents with EOM limitation without swollen eyelids or thickening of the sinus mucosa on a CT scan.

Cedecea is a gram-negative bacterium from the family Enterobacteriaceae, rarely associated with human infection. We report the first case of an orbital cellulitis and corneal ulcer due to Cedecea in a patient who sustained a motor vehicle accident and was then found to have a retained wooden orbital foreign body.

Diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is difficult, since symptoms are often very unspecific or lacking. However active, prompt and accurate diagnosis is the key element in the public health response to tuberculosis and the cornerstone of tuberculosis control. Different diagnostic methods for an assured diagnosis of TB are necessary. Chest radiography is a useful keystone to identify tuberculosis, but diagnosis of tuberculosis cannot be established by radiography alone. CT scanning is used in patients without pathological chest radiography but clinically suspected active TB and to differentiate TB from other diseases. Radiological appearance is primarily determined by the immune status of patients and caverns and disseminated disease foci are often observed. Laboratory diagnostic methods include microscopic identification of acid-fast mycobacteria from any body fluid (especially sputum), as well as isolation and characterisation of mycobacteria in culture. It is then possible to type the pathogens by the shape of their colony, their growth behavior and their biochemical characteristics. These methods are regarded as the gold standard in diagnosis of active TB. In patients who are highly suspected of having TB, but whose sputum specimens tested negative for mycobacteria, a nucleic acid amplification test is additionally performed. Moreover, sensitivity testing with first and second line antitubercular drugs is applied as standard. Laboratory diagnostic testing of cellular immunity against pathogenic mycobacteria employs the tuberculin skin test (TST, Mantoux tuberculin test) or the more specific interferon γ test to determine γ interferon released by T lymphocytes stimulated in vitro. The new ELISA and ELISPOT procedures exhibit higher test specificity and less cross reactivity to NTM (non-tuberculosis mycobacteria), are independent of BCG-vaccination status and correlate better with the degree of exposure than does the TST., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

This case report describes an infectious complication related to the use of calcified triglyceride (Kryptonite Bone Cement) in post-traumatic midface reconstruction. Ultimately, the infected material required removal, and the facial deformity was repaired with subsequent procedures. The literature suggests that bone cement products should be used with caution when in contact with the paranasal sinuses.

Infectious orbital complications after strabismus surgery are rare. Their incidence is estimated to be 1 case per 1,100 surgeries and include preseptal cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, subconjunctival and sub-Tenon's abscesses, myositis, and endophthalmitis. This report describes the case of an otherwise healthy 3-year-old boy who underwent bilateral medial rectus recession and disinsertion of the inferior obliques. A few days after surgery, the patient presented with bilateral periorbital edema and inferotemporal chemosis. A series of CT scans with contrast revealed inferotemporal orbital collections OU. The patient immediately underwent transconjunctival drainage of fibrinous and seropurulent collections in the sub-Tenon's space and experienced rapid improvement a few days later. The patient is reported to be in stable condition in a follow-up examination performed more than a year after the reported events.

Purpose: To describe the role of multiplanar reconstruction and three-dimensional volume-rendered imaging in the assessment of silicon-based scleral buckle (SB)-related complications., Methods: Five eyes of five patients with SB-related complications where the history, surgical notes, and clinical examination proved inconclusive were included. Unenhanced axial orbital computed tomography images of all patients were acquired parallel to orbitomeatal line, and images were reviewed in orthogonal planes. The volume rendition of the imaged volume was evaluated in various tilts, with special reference to the spatial relationship of the band-buckle to the globe and bony orbit. All patients underwent imaging-assisted SB removal., Results: Imaging assisted in in vivo localization of the obscure band or buckle in all five eyes. Band was seen as hyperdense structure encircling whole of the globe, whereas buckle was seen as segmental, broad, hyperdense structure with scleral indentation. Presence of SB was identified in three patients, and globe integrity was shown in the other two. Abnormal anterior displacement of band and buckle was demonstrated in three cases on volume-rendered imaging in relation to lateral orbital rim. Focal exuberant soft-tissue proliferation around the buckle was present in all patients, suggesting chronic inflammation and infection. Successful removal of band and buckle could be achieved, and all patients were relieved of their preoperative complaints. No complication occurred during intraoperative and postoperative period., Conclusion: Use of multiplanar reconstruction and three-dimensional volume-rendered computed tomography imaging played a pivotal role in surgical success.

Background: Periorbital necrotising fasciitis (PNF) is a devastating infection of subcutaneous soft tissue and underlying fascia causing severe morbidity and even loss of life. Few case reports of PNF exist and there are no prospective epidemiological studies., Methods: A prospective observational study was undertaken using the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit reporting system. Questionnaires were sent to reporting ophthalmologists in the UK seeking cases of PNF over a 2-year period., Results: 30 new cases were confirmed. 16 of the reported cases followed a precipitating event, 9 cases followed trauma and 3 followed surgery. β-haemolytic Streptococcus A was the causative organism identified in 76%, either alone or with concurrent infection, and antibiotic sensitivities are discussed. Systemic complications occurred in the majority of cases (66.6%), with sepsis and death occurring in 10%. Over 50% of surviving patients had subsequent morbidity, reduced acuity (<6/18) being common., Conclusion: PNF is a rare, dangerous condition. This study identified an incidence of 0.24 per 1,000,000 per annum in the UK. β-haemolytic Streptococcus A is the most common causative organism. Mortality remains a potential outcome, and survivors suffer significant morbidity. Early intravenous antibiotic management with a consensus favouring penicillin and clindamycin combined with debridement., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.)

The authors report a rare case of medial orbital wall erosion with an orbital inflammatory mass and resultant lacrimal obstruction secondary to rhinotillexomania. A 67-year-old male with known history of compulsive nose picking (rhinotillexomania) sought treatment for complaints of watering in his OD. Examination revealed a blocked right inferior canaliculus. Nasal endoscopy showed a large nasal septal defect with multiple areas of crusting and bleeding. Hematologic investigations were normal. CT scan confirmed a large nasal septal and right medial orbital wall defect with an adjacent soft tissue mass in the medial orbit. Investigations ruled out systemic pathology. Histologic examination of medial orbital mass, sinus, and nasal mucosa revealed a reactive inflammatory infiltrate with surface Gram-positive cocci. The authors hypothesized that the patient had enlarged an existing nasal septal defect due to repetitive nose picking resulting in recurrent infection and inflammation of sinuses, leading to erosion of his medial orbital wall.

A 48-year-old Thai male farmer presented with progressive swelling of the right eyelid and high-grade fever. His visual acuity declined and the right side of his forehead developed a necrotic skin lesion with a purulent discharge. CT of the orbits suggested orbital cellulitis with subperiosteal abscess. Intravenous ceftriaxone and clindamycin were given empirically but then switched to vancomycin and meropenem because of rapid deterioration together with clinical sepsis. Burkholderia pseudomallei was isolated from the blood 3 days after the treatment, and the antibiotics were then switched to intravenous ceftazidime. The liver enzymes were elevated, and imaging of the abdomen revealed liver and splenic abscesses. After 14 days, the patient showed marked clinical improvement, became afebrile, and regained his OD visual acuity. A repeat CT of the orbit showed improvement with no subperiosteal abscess. The antibiotic was then switched to oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in combination with doxycycline for 6 months.

Orbital cellulitis and abscess after fracture repair are rare. Ophthalmic infection with Eikenella species is even more unusual, but can be severe. We report a case of Eikenella corrodens infection in a 28-year-old man who underwent zygomaticomaxillary and orbital floor blowout fracture surgery 4 years before presentation. Eikenella species are often resistant to frequently used empiric antibiotics, and because of specific growth conditions, easily missed on standard cultures. Appropriate efforts should be made to identify and treat E. corrodens in atypical orbital and periocular infections.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly recognized as a cause of invasive disease in children. Orbital cellulitis typically occurs in older children, but it can occasionally affect infants and neonates. We report 2 infants with sepsis and orbital cellulitis caused by community-associated MRSA and review the relevant literature., (Copyright © 2011 American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Computed tomography (CT) is used often in the evaluation of orbital infections to identify children who are most likely to benefit from surgical intervention. Our objective was to identify predictors for intraorbital or intracranial abscess among children who present with signs or symptoms of periorbital infection. These predictors could be used to better target patients for emergent CT., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients admitted to an urban pediatric tertiary care emergency department between 1995 and 2008. We included otherwise healthy patients with suspected acute clinical periorbital or orbital cellulitis without a history of craniofacial surgery, trauma, or external source of infection. Immunocompromised patients and patients with noninfectious causes of periorbital swelling were excluded. Variables analyzed included age, duration of symptoms, highest recorded temperature, previous antibiotic therapy, physical examination findings, laboratory results, and interpretation of imaging. CT scans of the orbit were reread by a neuroradiologist., Results: Nine hundred eighteen patients were included; 298 underwent a CT scan, and of those, 111 were shown to have an abscess. Although proptosis, pain with external ocular movement, and ophthalmoplegia were associated with presence of an abscess, 56 (50.5%) patients with abscess did not experience these symptoms. Other variables associated with the presence of an abscess in multivariate analysis were a peripheral blood neutrophil count greater than 10,000/microL, absence of infectious conjunctivitis, periorbital edema, age greater than 3 years, and previous antibiotic therapy (P < .05 for all). Our recursive partitioning model identified all high-risk (44%) patients as well as a low-risk (0.4%-2%) group (Rsq = 0.27)., Conclusions: We confirmed that patients with proptosis and/or pain or limitation of extraocular movements are at high risk for intraorbital abscess, yet many do not have these predictors. Other features can identify patients who do not have such obvious predictors but do have significant risk of disease. A recursive partitioning model is presented.

Purpose: To evaluate diagnosis, treatment, and histopathologic changes of chronic orbital osteomyelitis., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the history, clinical manifestations, computed tomography (CT) scans, histopathology, treatment methods, and outcomes for 6 patients with chronic orbital osteomyelitis at the Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, from January 1988 to January 2008., Results: One of the 6 patients had a history of frontal sinusitis, 4 patients had a history of trauma, and the remaining patient had a history of lateral orbitotomy. All patients had red swelling of the skin at the orbital margin, fistula formation, and pus emerging repeatedly from the fistulae. CT scans showed that sequestrum and abscess had formed in all patients. Those patients were treated by radical debridement and antibiotics with satisfactory results. Histopathologic examination showed that in 6 patients the bone trabeculae disappeared from the sequestra, abscess formed around the sequestra, and vessel dilation occurred in the areas of pathologic change with inflammatory cell infiltration. Two sequestra were completely encapsulated by fibrous connective tissue and formed involucrum., Conclusions: Chronic orbital osteomyelitis was often found in patients with a traumatic history who had received improper or delayed treatment when injured. The main clinical features included low-grade inflammation, pus, sequestrum and fistulation. Pathologic characteristics were formation of sequestrum, abscess and involucrum. Clinical manifestations and CT scan allowed accurate diagnoses, and radical treatment using a combination of debridement and antibiotics provided satisfactory results., (2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Purpose: To describe the history, clinical presentation, and successful surgical and antibiotic management of a case of posttraumatic infectious scleritis secondary to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia., Methods: A 51-year-old white man presented with worsening light sensitivity, localized conjunctival hyperemia, and a painful scleral nodule in his right eye that developed over a period of 1 month after minor ocular trauma. The patient was treated by his referring ophthalmologist for "episcleritis" with fluorometholone 0.1%, 1 drop 4 times a day, since injury onset without clinical improvement. Evaluation consisted of slit-lamp examination, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and surgical exploration with tissue cultures and histology., Results: Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the right eye revealed the presence of a dome-shaped mass overlying an area of partial-thickness scleral laceration in the inferotemporal quadrant. The scleral nodule was surgically excised, and the scleral laceration was repaired with one 8-0 nylon suture. Culture results revealed infection by S. maltophilia, which was resistant to gentamicin, tobramycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The patient experienced immediate pain relief after surgery, and treatment was continued with both topical ciprofloxacin 0.3% and prednisolone acetate 1% for 1 month with full recovery., Conclusions: S. maltophilia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posttraumatic infectious scleritis. Submission of appropriate surgical specimens for microbiologic analysis and adequate antibiotic therapy may prevent the development of endophthalmitis in cases of suspected posttraumatic infectious scleritis.

A healthy 23-year-old man developed swelling of his left upper eyelid, conjunctival chemosis, and ocular motility restriction associated with epiphora and purulent discharge from the lacrimal ductules. Clinical examination, imaging, and culture results disclosed dacryoadenitis caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of methicillin-resistant S. aureus-associated dacryoadenitis.

The authors describe the case of a 48 years old woman who presented with a one week history of a painful, swollen left eye with proptosis and diplopia. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed features of left orbital cellulitis, and blood tests and urinalysis confirmed the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The infection resolved following a course of intravenous antibiotics and with glycaemic control. To our knowledge, undiagnosed diabetes mellitus presenting with orbital cellulitis has not previously been reported.

Purpose: To present a descriptive case series of methicillin-resistant ascending facial and orbital cellulitis in an Operation Iraqi Freedom troop population., Methods: A physician's transfer records of patients cared for and or transferred from the 31st and 86th Combat Support Hospitals during Operation Iraqi Freedom between September 2004 and March 2005 were reviewed. Cases of facial and orbital cellulitis caused by a nasal mucosal source were included in the case series., Results: Five cases of ascending facial and/or orbital cellulitis caused by an aggressive nasal source are reported. All nasal microabscess cultures demonstrated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus species. None of the patients complained of nasal pain as the chief complaint, and all patients overlooked the follicular abscess at or inside the nares., Conclusions: Occult nasal infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus can be the source of an aggressive ascending facial and orbital cellulitis. The nasal source can be overlooked because of the distracting presentation of the orbital and systemic findings. With the increasing prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections, a nasal examination and nasal culture can greatly assist in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with orbital cellulitis without a clear source of infection.

Background: We report the case of a systemically well 4-year-old Aboriginal boy who developed a choroidal abscess after being poked in the left eye with a blunt object., Case Report: This boy presented with redness and reduced vision in the left eye after a blunt object was poked into his eye by his sibling. He was noted to have a choroidal mass which finally manifested as a choroidal abscess., Results: His initial visual acuity was 6/60, and dilated fundus examination demonstrated a localised solid-appearing choroidal elevation involving the posterior pole, including the macula. An ultrasound of the eye revealed a choroidal haematoma with an atypical appearance, whose height was 8 mm with a base of 12 mm x 10 mm. The lesion failed to resolve, and eventually resulted in orbital cellulitis that did not respond to intravenous and topical antibiotic treatment. He then went on to achieve complete visual recovery after successful management by transcleral incision, drainage and systemic antibiotic therapy., Conclusion: Choroidal abscess has been described in patients who are debilitated, immunocompromised or suffer with systemic disease such as cystic fibrosis or endocarditis. This case represents a unique report of staphylococcal choroidal abscess in a healthy child that completely resolved after transcleral drainage and systemic antibiotics.

A retrobulbar orbital abscess secondary to congenital dacryocystitis is extremely rare. External abscess drainage, probing, and syringing with broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics was performed in a 22-day-old neonate who was examined for congenital dacryocystitis complicated by retrobulbar orbital abscess formation.

A 13-year-old white boy was admitted to an outside institution for antibiotic treatment of right preseptal cellulitis. He subsequently developed a right orbital abscess, which could not be located on surgical exploration. On postoperative day 2, he developed acute chest pain and was transferred to Children's Hospital of Michigan for evaluation and treatment. CT of the thorax demonstrated multiple, bilateral lower lobe lesions consistent with septic pulmonary embolism. The right orbit was re-explored with successful drainage of an intraconal orbital abscess. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics with subsequent improvement of the orbital cellulitis and chest pain. He was discharged home on intravenous antibiotics. At 1 month, follow-up chest CT demonstrated near resolution of the lung lesions.

Case Report: Intraocular infections after scleral buckling surgery for retinal detachment are very rare., Comments: We document, on ultrasound B-scan, a rare case of subretinal abscess after scleral buckling surgery.

Preseptal orbital cellulitis and orbital abscess are rare post-traumatic late orbital complications. Authors reported a case of anterior orbital abscess following craniofacial trauma in a 47-year-old men. Diagnostic procedures, therapeutic intervention were presented and literature reviewed.