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Published on: September 12, 2014
Retrocorneal membrane after penetrating keratoplasty
T Lifshitz1, T Oshry, G Rosenthal
1Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
Abstract:
Retrocorneal membranes after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is a well known complications, resulting from unintentional retention of the host Descemet's membrane (DM), or donor DM detachment. We describe for the first time the formation of a retrocorneal inflammatory membrane that mimics donor DM detachment or retained recipient DM, and discuss the differential diagnosis of a retrocorneal membrane after PKP. Two patients who underwent PKP and subsequently developed a retrocorneal membrane are described. In both patients' eyes a retrocorneal membrane was observed immediately following penetrating keratoplasty. While the first patient's membrane persisted for 33 months in the presence of a clear graft, the second patient's membrane disintegrated and dissolved within two weeks following treatment with topical steroids. The first case describes a patient with retained Descemet's membrane, while in the second case, it turned out that the retrocorneal membrane was actually an inflammatory membrane.
Insights
Retrocorneal membranes after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) can be caused by retained host Descemet
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Retrocorneal membranes are a known complication following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).
- These membranes typically result from retained host Descemet's membrane (DM) or donor DM detachment.
- Accurate differential diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- This study describes a novel case of a retrocorneal inflammatory membrane.
- The inflammatory membrane mimicked typical presentations of donor DM detachment or retained recipient DM.
- Two patients undergoing PKP developed retrocorneal membranes post-operatively.
Findings:
- One patient presented with retained Descemet's membrane, which persisted for 33 months.
- The second patient developed an inflammatory retrocorneal membrane that resolved within two weeks of topical steroid treatment.
- This highlights the importance of differentiating inflammatory membranes from mechanical complications.
Implications:
- The findings expand the differential diagnosis of retrocorneal membranes after PKP.
- Distinguishing inflammatory membranes from retained DM is critical for successful treatment strategies.
- This research may lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced complications in corneal transplantation.
