Sympathetic ophthalmia induced by vitrectomy for endogenous fungal endophthalmitis: a case report and literature review - Report - MDSpire

Sympathetic ophthalmia induced by vitrectomy for endogenous fungal endophthalmitis: a case report and literature review

  • By

  • Xiao-Yan Zhang

  • Jie Huang

  • Yan-E. Gao

  • Jiao Li

  • Ying Wen

  • July 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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Induction of Sympathetic Ophthalmia Following Vitrectomy for Endogenous Fungal Endophthalmitis

Background

Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare but serious bilateral granulomatous uveitis that can occur after ocular trauma or intraocular surgery. The condition poses significant risks to vision and is characterized by a complex immune response to ocular antigens.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data provided in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 22-year-old male developed sympathetic ophthalmia after two vitrectomy procedures for fungal endophthalmitis.
  • The causative organism was identified as Aspergillus flavus.
  • Initial visual acuity was 0.8 in the right eye and 0.02 in the left eye at presentation.
  • Multimodal imaging confirmed the diagnosis of sympathetic ophthalmia.
  • Treatment with prednisone and adalimumab stabilized the patient's condition over a 13-month follow-up.
  • No recurrences of sympathetic ophthalmia were observed during the follow-up period.

Clinical Implications

Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment strategies are essential for managing sympathetic ophthalmia, particularly following intraocular surgeries. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for SO in patients with a history of ocular trauma or surgery, especially when presenting with visual disturbances.

Conclusion

This case highlights the development of sympathetic ophthalmia following vitrectomy for fungal endophthalmitis.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Retinal Physician, Treatment Strategies in Endogenous Fungal Endophthalmitis, 2026 -- Treatment Strategies in Endogenous Fungal Endophthalmitis
  2. Retinal Physician, Endophthalmitis in the Modern Era, 2016 -- Endophthalmitis in the Modern Era
  3. Ophthalmology Management, How to Prevent and Manage Postoperative Endophthalmitis, 2012 -- How to Prevent and Manage Postoperative Endophthalmitis Recommendations
  4. Ophthalmology, Incidence of Sympathetic Ophthalmia after Intraocular Surgery -- Incidence of Sympathetic Ophthalmia after Intraocular Surgery
  5. EyeWiki, Sympathetic Ophthalmia -- Sympathetic Ophthalmia
  6. EyeWiki, Fungal Endophthalmitis -- Fungal Endophthalmitis
  7. Retinal Physician — Postoperative Complications—#ItsComplicated
  8. Incidence of Sympathetic Ophthalmia after Intraocular Surgery - Ophthalmology
  9. Sympathetic Ophthalmia - EyeWiki
  10. Fungal Endophthalmitis - EyeWiki

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