Vertical rupture in posterior corneal layers after cataract extraction

The histopathological description of a 3 mm vertical cut in the posterior layers of a corneal button removed for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy is presented. The corneal complications became clinically evident several weeks after extracapsular cataract extraction with placement of a posterior chamber lens implant. Outstanding histological features were: wall-like elevation of the borders of the cut with swelling of the posterior stromal layers; rolled-in edges of Descemet's membrane; double interruption of Descemet's membrane on one side; regional endothelial atrophy; and total lack of any signs of endothelial regeneration.