[Histopathology of 8 corneal buttons after penetrating keratoplasty in silicone oil-associated keratopathy].
BACKGROUND
In the literature there is only a limited number of morphological reports on clinically diagnosed silicone oil associated keratopathy describing different histological changes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the most common histopathological features of this disorder.


METHODS
We reviewed the registry of the ophthalmopathological laboratory at the University of Marburg with respect to the following histopathological diagnoses: "bullous keratopathy", "endothelial-epithelial corneal decompensation", "band keratopathy" and "endothelial degeneration". These specimens were cross-checked with appropriate medical records. Eight specimens with a clinical diagnosis of silicone oil induced keratopathy were identified. All specimens were examined by light microscopy.


RESULTS
Histologically, a long-standing bullous keratopathy was seen in 5 out of 8 specimens. A descemetocele was present in two other corneas. One case displayed band keratopathy. A posterior collagenous layer (PCL) between Descemet's membrane and the endothelium was identified in 7 out of 8 specimens examined. This layer was of a fibrillar type in 2 corneal buttons and of a fibrocellular type in all remaining specimens with PCL. PCL was associated with endothelial cell loss and degeneration. The endothelial cell density varied between 0 and 5 cells per high power field.


CONCLUSIONS
Posterior collagenous layer associated with degenerating endothelium appears to be the most frequent histopathological feature in silicone oil induced keratopathy. The variety of PCL in this condition makes a firm histopathological diagnosis of "Silicone oil induced keratopathy" rather difficult.
Sekundo
W
W
Medizinisches Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 4, 35037 Marburg. sekundo@mailer.uni-marburg.de
Hesse
L
L
Schmidt
J
J
Kroll
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002452:Cell Count; D002648:Child; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012827:Silicone Oils / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014821:Vitrectomy
D012827:Silicone Oils; D003094:Collagen