Confocal microscopy in posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy.
OBJECTIVE
To report the distinguishing characteristics of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPMD) using confocal microscopy.


METHODS
Two consecutive patients with PPMD were prospectively examined using a white-light tandem scanning confocal microscope with a 24x/0.60 contact objective.


RESULTS
At the level of Descement's membrane, roundish hyporeflective images were found in 1 patient. In the other patient, hyporeflective bands were detected. In both patients, patchy hyperreflective areas were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Confocal microscopy may allow diagnosis of PPMD by demonstrating the alterations in Descement's membrane. This technique is especially valuable in cases of endothelial decompensation, where slit-lamp and specular microscopy may fail to demonstrate changes in Descement's membrane.
Louisiana State University Eye Center, New Orleans, LA 70112-2234, USA.
A G
AG
Chiou
S C
SC
Kaufman
R W
RW
Beuerman
D
D
Maitchouk
H E
HE
Kaufman
D000368:Aged; D003317:Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / Q000473:pathology*; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014741:Video Recording