Conjunctival Aspergilloma with Multiple Mulberry Nodules: A Case Report

Abstract

A 30-year-old healthy female presented with a 1-year history of chronic mucous discharge, tearing, and irritation in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed severe papillary and follicular reaction surrounding a movable subconjunctival mass on the left upper tarsal conjunctiva. Incision and curettage were performed to establish the diagnosis. Multiple peculiar black mulberry nodules were obtained. The clumps of septate hyphae seen with periodic acid-Schiff stain were characteristic of fungus ball (aspergilloma). The patient's symptoms improved significantly after surgery without any antifungal therapy. Although rarely reported, aspergillus is a common fungus in the conjunctiva that may seed into the subconjunctiva. We present this case to remind ophthalmologists of such a rare cause of recalcitrant conjunctival inflammation in immunocompetent patients.

Subconjunctival Mycetoma After Sub-Tenon's Corticosteroid Injection

“…1 Although Exophiala has not been described as a cause of subconjunctival mycetoma, other fungal organisms have been implicated. These include mycetomas secondary to Aspergillus, where infection occurred after pegging of a hydroxyapatite implant 10 and in an immunocompetent female with no risk factors, 11 and secondary to Allescheria boydii, where infection occurred in a gardener with a history of subcutaneous Allescheria abscesses. 12 Infectious fungal complications after subconjunctival and PST injections have also been described.…”