Objective: To describe a case of keratomycosis caused by Arthrographis kalrae, mimicking Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Methods: Case report.
Results: A 23-year-old female contact lens wearer developed dendritic keratitis in her amblyopic eye (OD). Baseline vision was 20/50. Treatment with trifluridine 1% resulted in resolution of the dendrite, but an area of stromal haze developed, spreading to a discontinuous ring shape, and the vision dropped to 20/200. Photophobia was intense, and pain was out of proportion to the examination. Cultures were sent, and empiric treatment of Acanthamoeba was begun, without subsequent improvement. After 4 weeks, cultures were positive for a fungal species. Amphotericin 0.5% drops were begun, with moderately rapid resolution of the active keratitis. At last follow-up, best-corrected vision was 20/100. Review of the culture showed the organism to be Arthrographis kalrae.
Conclusion: Arthrographis kalrae has been reported only once before as an ocular pathogen. As in the previously reported case of Arthrographis, our patient's presentation was strongly suggestive of Acanthamoeba keratitis.