title: Advanced xerophthalmia as a presenting sign in cystic fibrosis.
abstract: Xerophthalmia is a common complication of vitamin A deficiency in communities where malnutrition is found. We report on a 16-month-old infant with severe photophobia and failure to thrive. On examination, her major presenting sign was corneal xerosis, with corneal and conjunctival keratinization, and corneal stromal edema with opacification. Based on these findings, vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat malabsorption was suspected, and a workup confirmed the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. With parenteral vitamin A supplementation, she had complete resolution of her ocular signs and symptoms. This case illustrates the value of a complete ophthalmic examination in the diagnosis of fat malabsorption syndromes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, W. K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48105.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Lindenmuth
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Del Monte
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Marino
mesh_terms: D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000150:complications; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000150:complications; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000209:etiology*