Pigmented Corneal Ulcer

J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2019 Oct 24;14(4):506-508. doi: 10.18502/jovr.v14i4.5461. eCollection 2019 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Purpose: To report the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and treatment of a rare case of keratitis caused by pigmented fungi Bipolaris hawaiiensis.

Case report: A 55-year-old man presented with a history of trauma with vegetative matter in his left eye. Slit lamp biomicroscopic examination revealed the presence of a brownish-black pigmented plaque with surrounding infiltrates. Corneal scrapings revealed multiple septate hyphae. Culture revealed growth of the Bipolaris species. The patient was treated with topical natamycin 5%, topical voriconazole 1%, and oral itraconazole followed by intracameral amphotericin B (5 μg/mL). The patient responded well to the treatment.

Conclusion: Brown pigmented infiltrates are an important clinical feature of dematiaceous fungi. B. hawaiiensis is a rare cause of corneal phaeohyphomycosis. Our patient responded well to intracameral amphotericin B, which obviated the need for penetrating keratoplasty.

Keywords: Pigmented; Corneal Ulcer; Keratitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports