Hepatolenticular degeneration: histological study of conjunctiva and observation of chalazii during D-penicillamine treatment.
Three patients with hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease) are described. Bilateral blepharoconjunctivitis and Kayser-Fleischer ring was observed in all 3 patients. In 2 patients, long-lasting, bilateral chalazii appeared during chronic treatment with D-penicillamine. Histochemical and ultrastructural studies of pre-treatment conjunctival biopsies showed no copper storage in the tissue thus supporting the hypothesis that copper storage in Descemet's membrane derives from the anterior chamber.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D003300:Copper / Q000378:metabolism; D003560:Cysts / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006527:Hepatolenticular Degeneration / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008537:Meibomian Glands; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D003300:Copper; D010396:Penicillamine