Fungemia and Intraocular Involvement¶
Jonathan A. Barnett
The American Academy of Ophthalmology currently does NOT recommend routine Ophthalmology consults for visually asymptomatic patients with systemic candidemia. The incidence of candidemia-related endophthalmitis detected from routine screenings is <1%.
By contrast, if the patient has visual symptoms, an Ophthalmology consult is warranted.
- Breazzano MP et al. American Academy of Ophthalmology Recommendations on Screening for Endogenous Candida Endophthalmitis. Ophthalmology. 2022 Jan;129(1):73-76.
Giant Cell Arteritis: Role of Ophthalmology¶
If a patient has systemic symptoms suspect of GCA (see “Rheumatology section”), when is it appropriate to consult Ophthalmology?
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If patient HAS visual symptoms (acute vision loss, new onset diplopia), consult ophthalmology.
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If patient DOES NOT have visual symptoms, DO NOT consult ophthalmology (e.g., to rule out “retinal vasculitis.”)
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It is extremely unlikely that Ophthalmology will find a pertinent ocular finding in the absence of visual symptoms to support a diagnosis of GCA.
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Bottom line: If you suspect GCA given the other systemic symptoms (regardless of visual status), treat promptly with high dose steroids!
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Temporal Artery biopsies are typically performed by Vascular Surgery.