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Pterygium in lepromatous leprosy
E Daniel1, K Thompson, G J Ebenezer
1Department of Ophthalmology, Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Center, Tamil Nadu, India.
Summary
Leprosy patients
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Pterygium is a common eye condition.
- Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
Observation:
- Histopathological study of pterygia from three lepromatous leprosy patients.
- All specimens showed acid-fast bacilli (AFB).
- Chronic inflammation was a consistent feature.
Findings:
- Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) presence in pterygia indicates ocular involvement in leprosy.
- Chronic inflammation is a key feature in the development of pterygium in leprosy patients.
- Nerve involvement within the pterygium may contribute to its pathogenesis.
Implications:
- Understanding the role of chronic inflammation and AFB in pterygium development is crucial.
- Environmental factors like sunlight, dust, and wind, exacerbated by lagophthalmos, likely contribute.
- Social factors leading to outdoor living in leprosy patients increase risk.