JAPANESE JOURNAL OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Vol. 55 No. 3       2009

ISSN: 0021-5163      UBIC: 151-J

ABSTRACT

A rare case of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis (EFE) in a 73-year-old woman with recurrent tongue cancer is presented. The patient had terminal-stage disease and underwent insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC) for nutritional support. Her visual acuity decreased 10 days after the onset of a high fever. The bacterial cultures from blood and catheter were positive for Candida albicans. Fundal examination revealed characteristic features compatible with fungal endophthalmitis. The serum β -D glucan value was elevated. Consequently, this case was diagnosed as EFE subsequent to catheter insertion. Her visual acuity recovered after removal of the catheter and treatment with intravenous fluconazole for 6 weeks. The case suggests that oral and maxillofacial surgeons should consider the risk of EFE in compromised patients with CVC. Keywords: tongue cancer, endogenous fungal endophthalmitis, central venous catheter, Candida albicans, fluconazole.

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