Ocular manifestations in liver transplant recipients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy

To evaluate postoperative ocular involvement in Swedish liver transplant (LT) recipients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP).

Routine ophthalmological examinations were performed in 48 LT recipients, with particular attention given to amyloid deposition in the anterior segment and the vitreous body. Medical records were scrutinized for information regarding neurological impairment at the time of the LT. The diagnosis was secured in all cases by examining for amyloid deposits in biopsy specimens and positive genetic testing for amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTR) Val30Met mutation.

Six patients (12.5%) developed vitreous opacities within the post-LT observation period. The first opacities were seen 40 months after transplantation, 8 years after the onset of systemic disease. Four patients (8%) developed secondary glaucoma, the first of which was observed 18 months after the procedure and 6.5 years after the onset of disease. Sixteen patients (33%) developed deposits on the anterior surface of the lens. Scalloped pupillary margins were noted in 10 patients (21%).

The prevalence of eye complications increases with time after LT and regular follow-up is necessary, especially to disclose the development of glaucoma--a complication with insidious symptoms of which patients are normally unaware.