Subepithelial infiltrates: a probable sign of corneal transplant rejection.
A previously undescribed slit-lamp manifestation of a probable corneal transplant rejection reaction was found in 22 patients among 145 who underwent penetrating keratoplasty during a two-year period. The reaction consisted of subepithelial infiltrates that were located only in the donor tissue; were without associated conjunctivitis; and that occurred six weeks to 21 months postoperatively, either alone or in association with epithelial and/or endothelial rejection; and that responded well to topical corticosteroid treatment. In one case, the subepithelial infiltrates preceded a severe endothelial rejection by only a few days. The lesions are a warning that all is not well and that corticosteroid therapy should be instituted or increased.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D004848:Epithelium; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D011239:Prednisolone