Fungal Infection After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty: Incidence and Outcomes

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe the incidence, presentation, management, and outcomes of fungal infection after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Methods: Retrospective case series of culture-proven fungal infections after DMEK reported in the literature, directly by surgeons, and to the Eye Bank Association of America from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020. Results: The domestic incidence of fungal infections, fungal keratitis, and fungal endophthalmitis after DMEK from 2011 to 2020 was 3.5, 1.3, and 2.2 per 10,000 cases, respectively, with no significant increasing trend. Thirty-four cases were identified, 14 (41.2%) published and 20 (58.8%) unpublished. Donor tissue fungal cultures were performed in 20 of the 34 (58.8%) cases and were positive in 19 of the 20 (95.0%), all but one Candida species. Recipient fungal cultures were performed in 29 of the 34 (85.3%) cases and were positive in 26 of the 29 (89.7%), all but one Candida species. Infection presented a mean of 33 ± 38 days (median 23, range 2–200, outlier 949) after transplantation: 25 (73.5%) with endophthalmitis and 9 (26.5%) with keratitis. Topical, intrastromal, intracameral, intravitreal, or systemic antifungal therapy was used in all 27 eyes with treatment data. Surgical intervention (DMEK explantation or partial removal, repeat endothelial keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty, and/or pars plana vitrectomy) was required in 21 of the 27 (77.8%) eyes. The corrected distance visual acuity at the last follow-up was ≥20/40 in 13 of the 27 (48.1%) eyes and counting fingers or worse in 6 of the 27 (22.2%) eyes. Conclusions: Fungal infection is a rare but serious complication of DMEK that results in counting fingers or worse corrected distance visual acuity in nearly a quarter of eyes.