title: [Xerophthalmia caused by self-induced deficiency disease].
abstract: Xerophthalmia is no longer seen in Europe since the 19th century. We report the case of a female patient, aged 33, of french nationality, who presented a clinical picture of major vitamin A deficiency, self-induced and with ocular complications. An untreated long standing depressive condition appeared to be the major etiologic factor. Perforation of a desmetocele necessitated penetrating keratoplasty. Histologic corneal and conjunctival aspects are reported. Oral prescription of vitamin A resulted in considerable clinical improvement. Only 3 similar cases have been previously reported. Clinical manifestations of xerophthalmia are described along with preventive and curative therapy.
authors.affiliation: Service d'ophtalmologie, Hôpital Huriez, Lille.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Rouland
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Amzallag
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bale
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Constantinides
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D014801:Vitamin A
vernacular_title: Xérophtalmie carentielle volontaire.