Panophthalmitis in a case of Glanzmann thrombasthenia – The dilemma in diagnosis

TL;DR

A woman with Glanzmann thrombasthenia developed severe eye infection after platelet transfusion, highlighting complex management challenges.

Contribution

This case highlights the diagnostic and management challenges of infectious complications in inherited platelet disorders.

Findings

Panophthalmitis occurred following platelet transfusion in a patient with Glanzmann thrombasthenia.

Aggressive antibiotic treatment and multidisciplinary care partially managed the infection.

The right eye progressed to phthisis bulbi despite treatment.

Abstract

We present a rare case of a middle-aged female diagnosed with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia who developed panophthalmitis following platelet transfusion. The patient presented with acute vision loss, proptosis, and ocular pain in the right eye following a platelet transfusion. Imaging confirmed panophthalmitis, while cultures were inconclusive. The patient was treated with intravenous and fortified topical antibiotics along with platelet transfusions. Despite aggressive management, the right eye progressed to phthisis bulbi. Systemic infection was controlled, and ocular pain and swelling significantly reduced. The patient was managed with systemic and fortified topical antibiotics under the care of a multidisciplinary team, including ophthalmologists, hematologists, and infectious disease specialists. This report highlights the diagnostic challenges, management dilemmas, and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in managing infectious complications in patients with inherited platelet function disorders.

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