Secondary localized amyloidosis in interstitial keratitis. Clinicopathologic findings

Cases of secondary localized corneal amyloidosis have been described in various corneal and ocular inflammations but are believed to occur uncommonly. The authors examined histopathologic specimens from 33 consecutive patients with interstitial keratitis who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation. In 11 cases (33%), multiple fusiform deposits of amyloid were identified and confirmed in middle and deep corneal stroma using histochemical staining. Characteristic electron microscopic findings were present in two cases. These results indicate that secondary localized corneal amyloidosis occurs frequently in interstitial keratitis and displays a distinct pattern of deposition.