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Idiopathic bilateral lipid keratopathy.
E Alfonso1, L Arrellanes, S A Boruchoff
1Cornea Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
This study reports a rare case of bilateral symmetrical corneal lipid infiltrates in a 52-year-old man. Histopathology confirmed extensive lipid deposits within the cornea, suggesting a localized metabolic abnormality.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Histopathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Corneal lipid infiltrates can impair vision and indicate underlying metabolic issues.
- Idiopathic corneal lipid deposition is uncommon, especially without systemic disease.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old male presented with asymptomatic, bilateral, symmetrical lipid infiltrates in the cornea and limbus.
- The affected cornea was rigid, thickened, and showed posterior bulging.
Findings:
- Light microscopy revealed deep corneal lipid granules, foamy histiocytes, vascularization, and inflammation.
- Electron microscopy identified extracellular lipid spaces and intracytoplasmic lipid vacuoles in various corneal and conjunctival cells.
- Histochemical analysis confirmed the presence of neutral fats, free fatty acids, cholesterol, and phospholipids.
Implications:
- This case highlights a unique presentation of corneal lipidosis requiring detailed histopathological analysis.
- Understanding the specific lipid composition may offer insights into localized lipid metabolism in the ocular tissues.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of such idiopathic corneal lipid infiltrates.