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Corneal Confocal Microscopy: A Novel Non-invasive Technique to Quantify Small Fibre Pathology in Peripheral Neuropathies
Published on: January 3, 2011
Corneal chrysiasis: in vivo confocal microscopy analysis
Iacopo Paladini1, Ugo Menchini, Rita Mencucci
1Department of Oto-Neuro-Ophthalmological Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Firenze, Policlinic of Careggi, Firenze, Italy. lapopala@hotmail.com
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 26, 2010
Summary
Gold sodium thiomalate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can cause corneal chrysiasis. In vivo confocal microscopy revealed high-reflectivity gold deposits throughout the cornea, particularly in the anterior stroma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Medical Microscopy
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease often treated with gold compounds.
- Gold sodium thiomalate (GSTM) has been used for decades to manage RA symptoms.
- Long-term gold therapy can lead to ocular side effects, including corneal deposition.
Observation:
- A patient with a 32-year history of RA treated with GSTM underwent an ophthalmologic examination.
- In vivo confocal microscopy was utilized to examine the corneal structure.
- Detailed imaging of corneal layers was performed using a Confoscan 4 microscope.
Findings:
- Corneal chrysiasis, characterized by gold deposits, was observed in all corneal layers.
- These deposits exhibited high reflectivity under confocal microscopy.
- Gold particle accumulation was most prominent in the anterior stroma, with larger dimensions noted.
Implications:
- Confocal microscopy is an effective tool for visualizing and evaluating corneal chrysiasis.
- This technique provides insights into corneal metabolism and physiological changes induced by gold deposition.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for managing long-term ocular health in patients on gold therapy.
