Necrotic scleral melt and fungal keratitis-a complication of subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection

J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect. 2020 Jan 27;10(1):3. doi: 10.1186/s12348-020-0197-4.

Abstract

Purpose: Subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection (STAI) is a safe drug delivery method for various ocular conditions. We report two cases of necrotic scleral melt, a rare complication of STAI.

Methods: The first patient received STAI for post-operative inflammation control and developed necrotic scleral melt at the site of STAI with superadded fungal keratitis. The second patient received three STAI for non-necrotizing, non-infectious anterior scleritis and developed scleral necrosis at the site of her last STAI. Noncompliance with medications resulted in the progression of scleral necrosis to a new area.

Results: In the first patient, surgical removal of triamcinolone deposit resulted in healing of the scleral melt while the second patient was managed conservatively with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.

Conclusion: Scleral melt is a rare complication of STAI; however, an early diagnosis and management of any predisposing factor along with surgical debridement should be considered as a potential critical treatment option to salvage the eye.

Keywords: High myopia; Necrotic scleral melt; Subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection; non-necrotizing, non-infectious anterior scleritis.