Diagnostic approaches in suspected Aspergillus infection of the eye consist of fundoscopic examination, ultrasonography of the eyeball and examination of visual acuity, to analyse the extension of the infected tissue. A tissue sample

of the affected RG7420 datasheet tissue is needed to confirm the infection by culture.[16] Surgical treatment is a key factor in management of the infection, because penetration of systemically administered antifungal agents into the eye only reaches certain compartments. Therefore, infections localised near the chorioretinal layers can be treated with systemic antifungal agents, but treatment of other intraocular locations requires penetration of the antifungal agent through

the relatively impermeable blood–eye barrier. Most studies therefore recommend the application of voriconazole directly into the eye by intravitreal injection.[16] Surgical vitrectomy allows removal of areas of infection that do not respond to systemic antifungal agents. In a study published in 2006 by Callanan et al. [27], five cases of Aspergillus endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, standard phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) insertion were discussed. Two of these five patients were immunocompromised; however, none of them had preexisting Aspergillus infection in any other organ system. Three patients required enucleation of the infected eye (60%); the remaining two patients were discharged with final visual acuity 20/30 in one patient

and 20/200 in selleck chemical the other patient. Interestingly, in the two cases in which enucleation could be avoided, surgical debridement of local nidus of infection was performed. Denning found that both vitrectomy and intravitreal amphotericin B treatment were essential for Aspergillus endophthalmitis.[17] Weishaar et al. [31] reviewed 12 cases (12 eyes in 10 patients) of culture proven endogenous endophthalmitis, caused by Aspergillus in 1998. Surgical management consisted of pars plana vitrectomy in 10 of 12 eyes and enucleation could not be prevented in two of 12 eyes, due to retinal detachment, marked inflammation and hypotony. The outcome was better Megestrol Acetate in patients, who presented without central macular involvement. If the lens is also affected, lensectomy is recommended, in refractory cases enucleation may be of benefit and in aspergillosis of the orbita radical debridement is indicated to prevent invasion of the eye and the CNS.[16, 31] Surgical debridement of Aspergillus keratitis and conjunctiva flap in case of superficial lesions and progression under antifungal therapy are recommended in some cases.[32-37] In case of deep lesions, penetrating keratoplasty is preferred.