A Case of Alternaria Species Infection after Corneal Tattooing

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of successful treatment of Alternaria species infection after corneal tattooing using penetrating keratoplasty corneal perforation. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old male underwent corneal tattooing for corneal opacity of the left eye. One month later, epithelial defect and necrosis of the left eye were observed, thus a smear and culture were performed and Alternaria species were cultured. He was treated with 0.3% amphotericin B-fortified eyedrops and Itraconazole oral medication; however, 3 weeks later, corneal perforation of the left eye was observed and penetrating keratoplasty was performed. Postoperatively, due to persistent increased intraocular pressure, trabeculectomy was performed. Two months later, donor cornea was well-grafted and recurrent keratitis was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal tattooing can cause damage to the corneal epithelium and anterior stroma and increase the risk of infection when using steroids. In the case of infection, detecting and differentiating the type of microorganisms are more difficult. Therefore, proper care and close monitoring for the signs of infection are important during and after the surgery.