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Ligneous conjunctivitis: a case report
M Shimabukuro1, N Iwasaki, Y Nagae
1Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical School, Osaka, Japan.
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 4, 2001
Summary
Ligneous conjunctivitis, a rare condition, was successfully treated in a 10-year-old boy using fluorometholone and cyclosporin. This treatment is effective, especially for patients with a history of corticosteroid glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rare diseases
- Conjunctival disorders
Background:
- Ligneous conjunctivitis is a rare chronic condition causing pseudomembranes on mucous membranes.
- It presents with recurrent conjunctivitis and can affect other sites like the mouth and trachea.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy presented with visual impairment, discomfort, and discharge, but no itching.
- Clinical findings included large follicles and recurrent pseudomembranes, consistent with ligneous conjunctivitis, despite the absence of woody conjunctival hardness.
- The patient had a history of corticosteroid glaucoma from prior dexamethasone use.
Findings:
- The case demonstrated key features of ligneous conjunctivitis, differentiating it from vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
- Successful treatment was achieved with a combination of fluorometholone and cyclosporin, following trabeculotomy.
- Histological diagnosis was challenging due to a lack of consistent characteristics in reported cases.
Implications:
- Ligneous conjunctivitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
- Cyclosporin offers an effective alternative treatment for ligneous conjunctivitis, particularly in patients with corticosteroid-induced glaucoma.
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