A Case of Candida Parapsilosis Keratitis With Atypical Presentation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of Candida parapsilosis keratitis with atypical presentation demonstrated by subepithelial white dot deposits without peripheral inflammatory reaction. CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old woman with Stevens-Johnson syndrome had used topical corticosteroid and bandage contact lens due to recurrent epithelial defect and keratitis. Multiple subepithelial white dot deposits were revealed on the central corneal area without surrounding inflammation. The corneal lesion was improved after epithelial debridement with topical antibiotics and steroid eyedrops. A few months later, however, the corneal lesion recurred. Smear cytology was performed, and yeast-formed fungi and pseudohyphae were found. C. parapsilosis was identified in the culture study. Therefore, the topical steroid was withdrawn and 0.15% topical Amphotericin was applied. The corneal lesion improved and corneal opacity did not progress. CONCLUSIONS: The case reported in this study is C. parapsilosis keratitis with multiple subepithelial white dot deposits without typical presentations of fungal kertitis. Although no typical infectious indication was evident, infection should be suspected in patients who show abnormal corneal lesion under immunosuppressive treatment.