Delayed diagnoses of Acanthamoeba keratitis at a tertiary care medical centre

• DOI: 10.1111/aos.14792
• Publication Date: 2021-02-14T18:04:27Z
• Authors: Yesha S. Shah; Inna G. Stroh; Sidra Zafar; Nancy Zhang; Manjari Sriparna; Nakul Shekhawat; Zara Ghos; Divya Srikumaran; Fasika A. Woreta
• Keywords: Acanthamoeba keratitis; Tertiary care; Presentation (obstetrics); Eye care; Medical record

Abstract Purpose To determine the prevalence and reasons for delays in diagnosis patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) presenting to Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Maryland. Methods This retrospective study analysed all culture‐positive AK seen between 2012 2019 at a tertiary referral centre. Patient demographic information, clinical history, risk factors, symptom duration, patterns, slit lamp examination findings, visual acuity need surgery were collected. Results The included 45 eyes of 43 patients. On average, symptomatic 52.6 days before culture collection. Thirty‐one percent diagnosed within 28 onset while 69% after days. Before presentation care centre, evaluated by an ophthalmologist outside this institution 27% provider other than ophthalmologist. was most commonly misdiagnosed as herpetic keratitis, occurring 38% strongest factor contact lens use. Only 11% presented classic ring infiltrate 82% had pain. Patients early versus late mean Snellen (VA) 20/224 20/296 (p = 0.33) VA 20/91 20/240 final visit 0.07). required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Conclusion Delayed our cohort occurred due misdiagnosis non‐specific signs including lack pain number patients, delay Any wearer atypical should be referred promptly cultures.