Klebsiella pneumoniae endogenous endophthalmitis presenting as orbital cellulitis

This report describes the first documented case of Klebsiella pneumoniae endogenous endophthalmitis with concurrent orbital cellulitis in a patient without a liver abscess. A 34-year-old, caucasian male with a history of intravenous drug abuse and type 1 diabetes mellitus was transferred from an outside hospital for progressively worsening pain and swelling in the right eye. Careful history, physical examination, and imaging were consistent with a diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis with concurrent orbital cellulitis. Vitreous cultures were positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae. Despite aggressive and early intervention with antibiotics and vitrectomy, the patient’s condition continued to worsen and evisceration was required to adequately control the infection. Klebsiella pneumoniae endogenous endophthalmitis with concurrent orbital cellulitis is a rare and often blinding infection, despite appropriately aggressive intervention.