Clostridium Septicum Endogenous Endophthalmitis as the Initial Manifestation of Colorectal Carcinoma: Clinical Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the presentation and clinical course of a case of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Clostridium septicum, an anaerobic and gram positive bacteria. Methods: Observational report of a clinical case presented in Spain. Clinical case: A 61-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of endophthalmitis of his left eye since ten days prior to presentation, and a history of poor response to medical treatment. Evisceration was performed, and C. septicum was isolated from a sample of the vitreous humor. Fourteen days after surgery, the patient returned with orbital cellulitis, and exenteration was performed. Forty-two days after initial presentation, colonoscopy revealed an adenocarcinoma of the proximal colon. Surgical resection of the tumor was performed, and clinical recovery was achieved. Conclusions: iSystemic C. septicum infection without a traumatic cause has been associated with malignancy, although an initial presentation of endophthalmitis has rarely been reported. In cases of clostridial endogenous endophthalmitis, investigation for colorectal carcinoma is indicated.