Infectious crystalline keratopathy and endophthalmitis secondary to Mycobacterium abscessus in a monocular patient with Stevens-Johnson syndrome

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and laboratory features of infectious crystalline keratopathy and endophthalmitis secondary to Mycobacterium abscessus in a patient with Stevens-Johnson syndrome. METHOD: Case report, A 19-year-old man with a history of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and multiple corneal transplants developed white crystalline corneal infiltrates. RESULTS: Anterior chamber aspirate disclosed acid-fast bacilli. A repeat corneal transplant was performed and antibiotic therapy begun. Histopathology showed focal acute inflammation surrounding collections of acid fast bacilli, which were speciated as M. abscessus. CONCLUSIONS: M. abscessus is a cause of infectious crystalline keratopathy and endophthalmitis. Risk factors include ocular surface disease, corneal transplantation, and immunosuppressive therapy. (Am J Ophthalmol 1999;127:209-210. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.)