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Ahram mineral water-induced sulfate keratopathy: histopathologic, electron microscopic, and confocal scan features
Seyed Esmail Jafari1, Mozhgan Rezaei Kanavi, Ali Reza Foroutan
1Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Research Center, Rasool-e-Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Purpose:
To characterize histopathologic, electron microscopic, and confocal scan features of Ahram mineral water (AMW)-induced keratopathy in cadaver corneas.
Methods:
Seven cadaver globes were examined, 5 of which were exposed to AMW from the corneal side for different durations (30 seconds and 3, 15, 30, and 60 minutes) and the other 2 were considered as control. After performing confocal scan on each cornea, we excised the corneoscleral rim and sent it for histopathologic evaluation. Scanning electron microscopic and transmission electron microscopic examinations were performed on the cornea exposed to AMW for 60 minutes.
Results:
Depending on the time of exposure, the confocal scan features varied from intraepithelial high-contrast deposits to subepithelial bulla formation. The histopathologic features ranged from diffuse intracytoplasmic sulfur deposits to subepithelial bulla formation. Scanning electron microscopic examination disclosed rather diffuse irregular bright deposits of high sulfur content over the surface epithelium and together with focal cellular destruction and micro-hole formation in the case with 60-minute exposure. On transmission electron microscopy, electron-lucent bulky deposits were found underneath the basal epithelial cells and between their basement membrane and Bowman layer. Confocal scan of the control corneas disclosed nonspecific anterior stromal haze and Descemet folds, with no evidence of intraepithelial deposits. No pathologic finding was noted on histopathologic examination of the control corneas.
Conclusions:
AMW induces sulfate keratopathy of mainly anterior corneal involvement and with various histopathologic, confocal microscopic, and electron microscopic features even with short-time exposure.
Insights
Ahram mineral water (AMW) can cause sulfate keratopathy, affecting the anterior cornea. Histopathologic and microscopic analyses reveal varied features, including sulfur deposits and bulla formation, even after brief exposure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Pathology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Mineral water exposure can lead to ocular surface disease.
- Understanding the specific effects of Ahram mineral water (AMW) on corneal tissue is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the histopathologic, electron microscopic, and confocal scan features of Ahram mineral water (AMW)-induced keratopathy in cadaver corneas.
Main Methods:
- Seven cadaver globes were exposed to AMW for varying durations (30 seconds to 60 minutes).
- Confocal scanning, histopathology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed.
Main Results:
- AMW exposure resulted in intraepithelial deposits, subepithelial bulla formation, and cellular destruction.
- SEM showed sulfur deposits on the surface epithelium; TEM revealed deposits beneath basal epithelial cells.
- Control corneas showed no significant pathological findings.
Conclusions:
- Ahram mineral water induces sulfate keratopathy with anterior corneal involvement.
- Diverse histopathologic and microscopic features are observed, even with short exposure times.
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