Propionibacterium Acnes Endophthalmitis in Ahmed Glaucoma Valve

Abstract

PURPOSE: To report a case of Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis in a patient with an Ahmed glaucoma valve. CASE REPORT: A nine-year-old boy with bilateral congenital glaucoma, with an Ahmed glaucoma valve implanted in the left eye, had recurrent conjunctival dehiscence and endophthalmitis. RESULTS: Vitreous cultures demonstrated the presence of Propionibacterium acnes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis in an Ahmed glaucoma valve and the second one in a glaucoma drainage device. We strongly recommend using a patch graft to prevent and treat tube exposure. Conjunctival grafts may be useful to close the conjunctiva when there is marked scarring to prevent patch exposure and melting or extrusion.