First Author: R.Anjos PORTUGAL
Co Author(s): A. Vicente L. Vieira V. Lemos V. Maduro J. Feij P. Candelaria
Purpose:
To determine the characteristics of acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).
Setting:
: Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
Methods:
Retrospective case series of 6 patients diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis from June 2007 to July 2012. The main parameters were demographic data, medical history, contact lens use, initial and final visual acuity, slitlamp biomicroscopy, diagnostic procedures and clinical course.
Results:
All patients were contact lens users. Four patients had symptoms onset on late Spring or Summer. In all cases, an initial suspicion of bacterial, fungal or viral keratitis preceded AK diagnosis. Final diagnosis was achieved by clinical criteria, polymerase chain reaction or confocal microscopy. All patients were started on propamidine, with addition of chlorhexidine in one patient. Three patients had indication for penetrating keratoplasty: one due to uncontrolled infection and two due to sequels.
Conclusions:
A great level of suspicion of AK is needed in contact-lens users with failure to initial therapy. Confocal microscopy is an important tool for the AK diagnosis.
Financial Disclosure:
None
