Endophthalmitis and Retinal Detachment after Ocular Injury by Animal Inoculation Needle

Purpose: To report a case of endophthalmitis and retinal detachment after injury caused by an animal inoculation needle. Case summary: A 39-year-old man received an injury to his left eye with an animal inoculation needle while vaccinating a pig came to the hospital due to decreased visual acuity. At initial presentation, the best-corrected visual acuity in the left eye was “counting fingers,” and slit lamp examination revealed corneal lacerations, anterior capsule rupture, and traumatic cataract. Ultrasonography showed no specific findings in the vitreous and retina. Primary corneal suture, phacoemulsification, anterior vitrectomy due to rupture of the posterior capsule and vitreous prolapse, intraocular lens implantation, and intravitreal antibiotic injection were performed. On day 1 postoperatively, vitrectomy, anterior chamber irrigation, intravitreal antibiotic injection, and silicone oil injection were performed as signs of endophthalmitis, such as hypopyon and retinal tear, and focal retinal detachment were observed during surgery. Silicone oil removal was performed 7 months after the operation and the best-corrected visual acuity was 0.6. There has been no recurrence during follow-up. Conclusions: This is the first report in Korea of ocular injury caused by an animal inoculation needle. If the fundus is not observed in such injuries, there is a possibility of endophthalmitis and retinal detachment and early vitrectomy should be considered.