Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Three Strategies to Induce Neurotrophic Keratitis and Nerve Regeneration in Murine Cornea
Published on: December 8, 2023
Unusual dendritic keratitis
Nikhil S Gokhale1, Alpa J Dherai, Haresh Desai
1Gokhale Eye Hospital and Eyebank, Anant Building, Gokhale Road, Dadar West, Mumbai-400 028, India. gokhlay@vsnl.com
Insights
Tyrosinemia, a rare metabolic disorder, can cause bilateral pseudo-dendritic keratitis in infants. Early diagnosis and dietary changes can reverse these ocular and skin manifestations.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
Background:
- Tyrosinemia is a rare inherited metabolic disorder.
- Ocular manifestations can be the first sign of tyrosinemia.
- Prompt diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- Bilateral pseudo-dendritic keratitis in infants can indicate tyrosinemia.
- This condition may present with palmoplantar keratosis.
- Non-responsive dendritic keratitis in children warrants investigation for tyrosinemia.
Findings:
- Elevated serum tyrosine levels are indicative of tyrosinemia.
- Dietary modifications can lead to complete reversal of tyrosinemia symptoms.
- Ocular and cutaneous lesions associated with tyrosinemia are treatable.
Implications:
- Suspecting tyrosinemia in pediatric cases of non-responsive keratitis is vital.
- Measuring serum tyrosine levels aids in early diagnosis.
- Timely intervention can prevent long-term complications of tyrosinemia.
Abstract:
Bilateral pseudo-dendritic keratitis in infancy can be due to tyrosinemia, a rare metabolic disorder. Ocular involvement may be the earliest presenting manifestation of this disease. Early diagnosis is essential because dietary modifications can result in complete reversal of the manifestations of this disorder. This disease must be suspected in all cases of non-responsive dendritic keratitis in the pediatric age group, especially if it is associated with cutaneous lesions such as patmoplantar keratosis. Serum tyrosine levels must be done in these cases.
