Persistent corneal edema in the congenital rubella syndrome

Corneal edema occurring in the congenital rubella syndrome can result from coexistent glaucoma or develop in the absence of an elevated intraocular pressure. We examined a 36-week-old female infant with documented congenital rubella syndrome who had bilateral corneal stromal edema without attendant congenital glaucoma. Histopathologic examination of the cornea revealed absent Descemet's membrane, deep interstitial keratitis, stromal corneal swelling, and deranged, focally absent endothelial cells. A viral infiltration of endothelium is postulated as the mechanism of the corneal edema and keratitis.