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Acyclovir treatment for linear endotheliitis on grafted corneas
1Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Republic of China.
Cornea
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Two corneal transplant patients experienced rejection-like symptoms. Oral acyclovir effectively treated the condition, suggesting a virus-related immune response rather than simple allograft rejection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Corneal transplantation is a common procedure to restore vision.
- Graft rejection remains a significant challenge in corneal transplantation.
- Corneal endotheliitis can mimic graft rejection, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- Two patients with prior corneal transplants presented with unusual rejection-like episodes.
- Clinical signs included migrating keratic precipitates and stromal edema affecting donor and recipient corneas.
- Standard intensive steroid treatment showed minimal efficacy.
Findings:
- Oral acyclovir administration led to a dramatic suppression of the disease process.
- The clinical presentation suggests a virus-related immune mechanism targeting corneal endothelia.
- This mechanism may be distinct from typical allograft rejection.
Implications:
- Acyclovir may be a viable treatment for steroid-nonresponsive corneal endotheliitis.
- Understanding virus-related immune responses is crucial in managing post-transplant complications.
- This finding could lead to new therapeutic strategies for corneal graft dysfunction.