Mycobacterium chimaera chorioretinitis as a biomarker of systemic disease activity following nosocomial acquisition during cardiopulmonary bypass

Objectives: To understand the role of ophthalmoscopic examination (dilated retina examination and widefield fundus photography) in the diagnosis and management of nosocomial acquisition of Mycobacterium chimaera following open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass utilizing a heater-cooler unit, an entity that is associated with >50% mortality during the worldwide outbreak that has occurred since 2013. Methods: Case report with review of previous cases. Results: Signature Mycobacterium chimaera chorioretinal lesions can be used as a diagnostic sign and a biomarker for assessment of treatment efficacy. Conclusions: Ophthalmologic examination can play a key role in diagnosis and management of systemic Mycobacterium chimaera following cardiopulmonary bypass; such examinations may yield earlier diagnosis, diminishing mortality rates.