In ophthalmic practice, disease mimics are among the greatest diagnostic challenges, because they present with a clinical picture that points to entirely different conditions. With this phenomenon as its central theme, Dr Panos Gartaganis, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Mediterraneo Hospital, took part as a speaker in the 59th Panhellenic Congress of Ophthalmology, held in Thessaloniki on 11-13 June 2026.
As part of the scientific programme, Dr Gartaganis presented two clinical cases, on subjects that reflect his specialisation in intraocular inflammation and retinal pathology, showing how clinical vigilance can reveal the real diagnosis behind the clinical "camouflage":
1. Anterior migration of the dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) presenting as pseudo-hypopyon
A rare case was presented of unexpected migration of the intraocular Ozurdex® implant into the anterior chamber of the eye, with a clinical picture that mimics hypopyon. The talk stressed the importance of recognising the condition early, since prompt diagnosis is decisive in protecting the cornea and preventing permanent damage to the patient's sight.
2. Syphilitic chorioretinitis mimicking rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: the importance of a multidisciplinary approach
A case was presented of a rare ocular manifestation of syphilis that clinically resembled rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, underlining how important multidisciplinary collaboration is for correct diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Gartaganis's participation in the 59th Panhellenic Congress of Ophthalmology, representing the Ophthalmology Department of Mediterraneo Hospital, is further evidence of the high level of scientific work carried out at our Hospital, and shows the Institution's continued presence in current developments in ophthalmology.
*The abstracts of Dr Gartaganis's presentations are on pages 63 and 90 of the scientific programme (in Greek).