Candida endophthalmitis: an unusual complication of prolonged intravenous access

A 16 year old boy awaiting a defunctioning colostomy for Crohn's disease co mplained of reduced vision in his left eye. Four weeks previously candida h ad been isolated from his central line used for parenteral feeds. Fundal ex amination of the left eye revealed a macular abscess with a classic "string of pearls" appearance of multiple vitreous abscesses. This was treated wit h pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal antifungal therapy. Microbiologica l studies confirmed a diagnosis of candida endophthalmitis.