# More Than Meets the Eye: A Case of Endogenous Panophthalmitis

## TL;DR

A rare case of eye infection revealed hidden colorectal cancer, showing the need for thorough investigations in complex medical situations.

## Contribution

This paper presents a unique clinical case linking panophthalmitis to occult colorectal cancer.

## Key findings

- A 65-year-old male with panophthalmitis was found to have occult colorectal cancer.
- Surgical removal of the tumor improved the patient's prognosis despite loss of vision.
- The case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in complex cases.

## Abstract

Panophthalmitis is a severe condition involving not only the eye but also the surrounding orbital soft tissues. An endogenous source of panophthalmitis is rare and requires a thorough investigation to identify the infection's origin, which can be challenging. We present a rare case of a 65-year-old male patient with no systemic symptoms who presented to the emergency room with left-eye panophthalmitis, ultimately revealing occult colorectal cancer. Although vision could not be preserved, as is often the case in such severe presentations, the tumour was surgically removed, significantly improving the patient's life prognosis. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex patients.