Post-vitrectomy endophthalmitis complicated with orbital cellulitis treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Apr 4;104(14):e42043. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000042043.

Abstract

Rationale: Infectious endophthalmitis developed in silicone oil (SO)-filled eyes after pars plana vitrectomy is a very rare but serious complication. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been reported to be effective in few studies of infectious endophthalmitis and orbital cellulitis.

Patient concerns: This study reported a case of 71-year-old female with swelling of her left eye 1 week after pars plana vitrectomy and SO tamponade.

Diagnoses: Acute infectious endophthalmitis complicated with orbital cellulitis and compartment syndrome in a postvitrectomy SO-filled eye.

Interventions: Intravitreal injection of antibiotics and HBOT.

Outcomes: The severe inflammatory condition of soft tissue with compartment syndrome and elevated intraocular pressure which could not be controlled ameliorated markedly after initiation of HBOT.

Lessons: By taking advantages of the features of HBOT, it may be a good adjuvant treatment option for endophthalmitis cases along with antibiotics and surgical therapy.

Keywords: case report; endophthalmitis; hyperbaric oxygen therapy; silicon oil; vitrectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Endophthalmitis* / complications
  • Endophthalmitis* / etiology
  • Endophthalmitis* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation* / methods
  • Orbital Cellulitis* / etiology
  • Orbital Cellulitis* / therapy
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications* / therapy
  • Silicone Oils / adverse effects
  • Vitrectomy* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Silicone Oils