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Mooren-type hepatitis C virus-associated corneal ulceration
S E Wilson1, W M Lee, C Murakami
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 75235.
Ophthalmology
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to Mooren-type ulcers. Treatment with interferon alfa-2b can improve corneal disease, but ongoing monitoring is crucial due to potential relapses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Mooren-type ulcers are a rare, progressive peripheral ulcerative keratitis.
- Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was identified in two patients presenting with bilateral Mooren-type ulcers.
- Both patients also exhibited chronic, pruritic dermatitis, with one diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa.
Observation:
- Hepatitis C virus genomic RNA was detected in the serum of both patients.
- Liver biopsy revealed severe hepatitis in one patient and normal liver tissue in the other.
- HCV RNA was detected in serum but not in conjunctiva or liver tissue of the second patient.
Findings:
- Interferon alfa-2b treatment led to corneal disease improvement in both patients.
- In one patient, corneal improvement paralleled normalized liver enzyme levels during HCV treatment.
- Relapse of corneal disease occurred upon discontinuation of interferon therapy in the second patient, improving with reinstitution.
Implications:
- Chronic HCV infection is associated with Mooren-type peripheral ulcerative keratitis.
- Testing for HCV infection is recommended for all patients with Mooren-type ulcers.
- Continued follow-up is essential for patients treated with interferon alfa-2b due to the risk of relapse.