Ocular Toxocariasis Presenting as Endophthalmitis in a Young Adult Intravenous Drug User

• Published in: Journal of vitreoretinal diseases Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 170 - 172
• Main Authors: Singh, Pali P, Robbins, Cason B, Feng, Henry L, Borkar, Durga S, Fekrat, Sharon
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.03.2021
• ISSN: 2474-1272
• DOI: 10.1177/2474126420946587

PurposeThis report describes the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis presenting as endophthalmitis in an adult intravenous drug user. MethodsA case is reported. ResultsFundus imaging showed numerous white opacities obscuring the macula. Toxocara canis serology was reactive with an enzyme immunoassay titer of 1:2 (positive ≥ 1:32). Findings from bacterial and fungal cultures were negative, and vitrectomy cytology revealed no organisms. Postoperatively, serial optical coherence tomography imaging demonstrated a slight decrease in size of an intraretinal hyperreflective lesion in the macula. ConclusionsOwing to a variety of presentations, ocular toxocariasis can be challenging to diagnose. In a patient with a history of intravenous drug use where fungal and bacterial organisms are more common causes of endophthalmitis, it is important to have a wide differential of causative organisms, particularly in the context of negative culture results and a worsening clinical examination.