[Clinical characteristics and incidence of infectious and non-infectious endophthalmitis after intravitreous injection of triamcinolone acetonide].

PURPOSE: To report the incidence of infectious and noninfectious endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog - 40 mg/ml; 0.1 ml) and to evaluate distinguishing characteristics that may assist the clinician in differentiating these entities.

DESIGN: Observational nonconcurrent prospective study.

METHODS: Charts of 121 patients (154 injections) who consecutively underwent intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide to treat various chorioretinal diseases were evaluated. All procedures were performed in an operating room with careful antiseptic protocol.

RESULTS: Two eyes (1.29%/injection and 1.65%/patient) presented a noninfectious endophthalmitis characterized by decreased vision, hyperemia, hypopyon and vitreous inflammatory reaction, on the first day after the injection. These eyes were treated with topical and subconjunctival corticosteroids with complete resolution of the inflammatory reaction.

CONCLUSION: In the present case series, no case of infectious endophthalmitis occurred. Despite being relatively rare, noninfectious endophthalmitis can be associated with intravitreal injection of triamcinolone simulating an infectious endophthalmitis. In selected cases, the differential diagnosis can be made solely by clinical evaluation.