Acute red eye and back pain as a presentation for systemic illness: case report

Jonathan M Smith¹ , Philip G Griffiths² and Scott G Fraser¹

¹Ophthalmology, Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, UK

²Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

author email corresponding author email

BMC Ophthalmology 2006, 6:31doi:10.1186/1471-2415-6-31


Published:	22 September 2006

Abstract

Background

Acute red eye is a common presentation in both primary and secondary care. Presentation in combination with other systemic symptoms can indicate serious underlying pathology.

Case presentation

73-year-old lady presenting with endogenous endophthalmitis and thoracic discitis secondary to sub-acute bacterial endocarditis.

Conclusion

Acute red eye in combination with systemic symptoms requires immediate investigation. If endogenous endophthalmitis is diagnosed, a source of sepsis should be comprehensively investigated and referral made to individual specialities if necessary.