PURPOSE:
To describe clinical and histopathologic features that could help diagnose endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis
METHODS: 2 patients who underwent enucleation,5 with morphologic features and/or positive culture for Aspergillus were included in the study. Clinical information was sought from each case.The enucleated globes were analyzed to detect location of the fungi,vascular invasion by these agents, and inflammatory response.
RESULTS: Aspergillosis endophthalmitis may present in otherwise healthy host. Histopathologically,subretinal/subretinal pigment epithelium infection was noted in eyes with aspergillosis. Retinal and choroidal vessel wall invasion by fungal elements was also noted.
CONCLUSIONS: Aspergillosis clinically presents with extensive areas of deep retinitis/choroiditis, and vitreous biopsy may not yield positive results. Histopathologically, it appears that Aspergillus grows preferentially along subretinal pigment epithelium and subretinal space.
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