In vivo confocal microscopic and histological findings of unknown bullous keratopathy probably associated with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

BMC Ophthalmol. 2012 Jun 22:12:17. doi: 10.1186/1471-2415-12-17.

Abstract

Background: Bullous keratopathy (BK), a severe sight-threatening disorder can have a variety of etiologies such as prophylactic laser iridotomy, intraocular surgery, trauma, and other ocular disorders. However, there are cases of unknown origins, among which a unique clinical entity namely pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is having increased importance.

Case presentation: In this case note, we report the clinical features and in vivo confocal microscopic and pathological findings of two BK cases of unknown cause.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the BK was caused by the corneal endotheliopathy of PEX, a common disease that could affect up to 30% of people over 60 years old and is more prevalent than we have believed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Corneal Diseases / etiology
  • Corneal Diseases / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endothelium, Corneal / pathology*
  • Exfoliation Syndrome / complications
  • Exfoliation Syndrome / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods*