Genotype-phenotype correlation in 2 Indian families with severe granular corneal dystrophy

To determine genotypes in 2 Indian families with severe granular corneal dystrophy, to document clinical and histopathologic features, and to attempt a genotype-phenotype correlation.

Mutation analysis of exon 12 of the TGFBI gene was carried out in 9 individuals from 2 families.

A C-->T mutation at residue 1710 of TGFBI complementary DNA, corresponding to an Arg555Trp mutation in keratoepithelin, was found in affected members of both families. In 5 patients, this mutation was homozygous, and it was heterozygous in the other 4. Clinical examination revealed a severe form of granular corneal dystrophy with early onset and superficial lesions in the homozygous individuals and a milder phenotype in the heterozygous individuals. Histopathologic evaluation of corneal specimens from 2 homozygous patients confirmed the presence of superficial granular deposits.

To our knowledge, this is the first molecular and clinical characterization of severe granular corneal dystrophy in India. Genotype-phenotype correlation and comparison with earlier reports on this entity highlight the uniform expressivity of the Arg555Trp allele in homozygous individuals.

Homozygous granular corneal dystrophy has a severe phenotype and can be recognized based on clinical and histopathologic features, especially in association with consanguinity or inbreeding.