Mixed Nocardia cyriacigeorgica and Staphylococcus aureus infection in the periocular skin and orbit in an immunocompetent adult

Orbit. 2012 Dec;31(6):428-30. doi: 10.3109/01676830.2012.694556. Epub 2012 Jun 20.

Abstract

A 32-year-old non-alcoholic, immunocompetent male with history of prior trauma presented with pain and protrusion of the left eye of 8 months' duration. A firm nontender mass could be palpated in the superomedial orbit and the periocular skin had multiple discharging nodules. Computed tomography of the orbit showed an ill-defined lesion in the left orbit with preseptal soft tissue thickening, lacrimal gland infiltration and a moth eaten appearance of the left orbital roof. Tissue sampling from discharging cutaneous sinuses grew confluent colonies of Staphylococcus aureus and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica (16S rRNA gene sequencing; GQ376180). Histopathological examination showed mixed inflammatory infiltrates and eosinophilic granules showing Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon. Despite an early response to treatment with intravenous amikacin, reactivation of left orbital inflammation led to eventual loss of vision. A prolonged treatment course with intravenous amikacin and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole over a period of 1 year showed clinical resolution with periocular scarring, hypoglobus, and sensory exotropia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amikacin / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nocardia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Nocardia Infections / drug therapy
  • Nocardia Infections / microbiology*
  • Orbital Diseases / drug therapy
  • Orbital Diseases / microbiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
  • Amikacin