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Secondary amyloidosis in the hydrops lesion of a patient with pellucid marginal degeneration

Hugo Y Hsu1, Nancy J Phillips, George J Harocopos

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Cornea
|August 28, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study reports a rare case of secondary corneal amyloidosis in a patient with pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD). The condition developed in a chronic hydrops lesion, highlighting a unique corneal response to injury.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) is a rare, progressive corneal thinning disorder.
  • Corneal hydrops, characterized by stromal edema, can occur in PMD.
  • Secondary corneal amyloidosis is an uncommon deposition of amyloid in the cornea.

Observation:

  • A 63-year-old male with PMD developed persistent acute hydrops.
  • The hydrops evolved into an elevated, gelatinous lesion with neovascularization.
  • Histopathological examination of the excised cornea revealed amyloid deposits.

Findings:

  • The excised corneal button showed significant subepithelial amyloid deposits.
  • Amyloid deposition was associated with a disrupted Descemet membrane.
  • This confirmed the diagnosis of secondary corneal amyloidosis in the context of chronic hydrops in PMD.

Implications:

  • This case represents the first documented instance of significant secondary amyloidosis in a chronic hydrops lesion associated with PMD.
  • Secondary corneal amyloidosis may be an underdiagnosed complication of chronic corneal injury.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and clinical significance of this condition.

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