Endogenous Endophthalmitis A Complication of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To report six patients with endogenous endophthalmitis as a complication of COVID-19 infection.

METHODS: A multicentric retrospective database review of patients with a diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis and a history of COVID-19 infection.

RESULTS: Four of six patients were diabetics. All presented after an average duration of 40 days (Range 17-90 days) of COVID-19 infection. Two of six patients had bilateral involvement. Five of six patients had received intravenous corticosteroid for COVID-19. Two of six vitreous samples showed fungi ( Candida and Bipolaris species), two showed bacteria ( Staphylococcus species) and two samples were culture negative . Control of infection with good visual outcome in four out of eight eyes.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 patients with a history of hospitalization and prolonged use of systemic corticosteroids and comorbidities, for example, diabetes mellitus have a high risk of endogenous endophthalmitis. A high index of clinical suspicion with timely intervention can salvage many eyes.