Irreversible bullous keratopathy after air bag trauma.
OBJECTIVE
We describe an unusual case of corneal decompensation following air bag trauma in a 38 year-old-female.


METHODS
The patient was followed clinically for 5 months post-injury with persistent corneal edema that failed to resolve, necessitating corneal transplantation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the corneal button was performed.


RESULTS
SEM revealed localized areas of complete endothelial destruction. Other areas of the endothelium had cell counts under 1,000 cells per square millimeter.


CONCLUSIONS
This case corroborates animal studies demonstrating endothelial cell loss from direct air bag trauma and stresses the need to possibly redesign this safety device for maximum driver protection.
Geggel
H S
HS
Virginia Mason Clinic, Section of Ophthalmology, Seattle, WA 98111, USA.
Griggs
P B
PB
Freeman
M I
MI
D000328:Adult; D017278:Air Bags / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002452:Cell Count; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000209:etiology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*