Cancrum oculi in a HIV positive child: a case report

Abstract

Background: Cancrum oculi, is a very rare type of noma. Very few cases have been reported worldwide.
Aim: To report a case of cancrum oculi in a six-month-old HIV positive negroid female.
Setting:University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Case Report: A six-month-old HIV seropositive negroid female child was seen in UPTH with necrotizing chronic ulcer at the angle of the left eye. There was also an intense oral thrush initially managed by the paediatricians and later referred to the Ophthalmology department for management. Clinical examinations and various investigations suggested the diagnosis of cancrum oculi.
Conclusion: Cancrum oculi, like other variants of noma complicate immuno-deficiency or can be a primary disease in immuno-competent patients with poor hygiene. It is a preventable disease.


Keywords: Cancrum oculi, HIV, Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 2 (1) 2007: pp. 81-82