Two Cases of Unusual Presentation of Postoperative Endophthalmitis Caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae Subspecies Equisimilis

Abstract

Purpose: To report two cases of postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE), which appeared as hyperacute presentation and panophthalmitis. Case summary: A 68-year-old male was treated with cataract surgery and was evaluated the next day (less than 24 hours after surgery) because of acute loss of vision. There was severe inflammation and the visual acuity was light perception. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intravitreal antibiotic injection. The vitreous culture revealed SDSE. After PPV, regression of inflammation was observed, although the corneal edema had progressed. The cornea evolved to decompensate due to bullous keratopathy and visual acuity of the eye decreased to no light perception after 3 months. A 87-year-old male who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation 2 days previously was hospitalized due to severe ocular pain and visual loss. There was severe inflammation, and the visual acuity was no light perception. The patient received only intravitreal injections of antibiotics due to severe corneal necrosis. The aqueous humor revealed SDSE. Four days after intravitreal injection, erythema and swelling of the eyelid of the affected eye was observed, and diagnosed as panophthalmitis. After treatment with intravenous antibiotics, cellulitis of the eyelid was resolved. The eye progressed as phthisis after 3 months without recurrence. Conclusions: Postoperative SDSE endophthalmitis showed aggressive and hyperacute presentation, resulting in blindness despite prompt treatment. SDSE is an emerging organism and should be considered a potential cause of postoperative endophthalmitis.