CHOROIDAL BLASTOMYCOSIS - A REPORT OF 2 CASES

Purpose: To review the presentation and course of choroidal blastomyco sis, a rare chorioretinal mycotic infection, which results from dissem inated blastomycosis. Methods: Two cases of disseminated blastomycosis with ocular infection limited to the choroid are presented. Each pati ent was diagnosed through biopsy of skin lesions demonstrating the cha racteristic histologic features and the budding yeast. Results: System ic evaluation revealed extensive disseminated disease with involvement of the eye, lung, skin, bone and joint, central nervous system, and g enitourinary system. Both patients were successfully treated with intr avenous amphotericin B with elimination of ocular and systemic disease . Conclusion: Although rare, blastomycosis can result in choroidal myc otic infection in immune competent individuals. Tissue biopsy to confi rm the diagnosis and extensive systemic evaluation are required.