Case Reports

Uncommon complication following uneventful Nd:YAG capsulotomy

Case Report Details

First Author: I.Abuallut GERMANY

Co Author(s):                        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The purpose of this case report was to make the general ophthalmologist aware of this serious com- plication. The differential diagnosis for ocular inflam- mation that develop several years following cataract surgery includes endogenous endophthalmitis and the masquerade syndrome.

Setting:

University hospital Mannheim _ Germany

Report of Case:

This article reports the development of low grade endophthalmitis following Nd:YAG laser poste- rior capsulotomy. The patient previously underwent uncomplicated extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) insertion and was free of in- flammation prior to laser capsulotomy. Anterior vit- rectomy with partial capsular bag removal and an- terior chamber washout were performed. Samples for cultures were taken and intravitreal antibiotics in- jected. The patient was managed with topical and systemic antibiotics and steroids. Complete resolu- tion of the inflammation with return of vision to 20/25 was achieved without removal of the intraocular lens or lenticular remnants. The endophthalmitis was re- sponsive to a minimally invasive intervention as well as medicinal therapy including antibiotic agents, and it resolved without any invasive surgical intervention, such as total capsulectomy, IOL exchange or removal and posterior vitrectomy.

Conclusion/Take Home Message:

The purpose of this case report was to make the general ophthalmologist aware of this serious com- plication. The differential diagnosis for ocular inflam- mation that develop several years following cataract surgery includes endogenous endophthalmitis and the masquerade syndrome. They may have a good prognosis if diagnosed early and special care as well as long-term follow-up must be performed to prevent the development of late-onset ocular inflammation.

Financial Disclosure:

None