title: Scleral ossification in phthisical eyes.
abstract: Heterotopic secondary ossification of the eye usually affects intraocular tissues. Although calcium deposition in the scleral lamellae is not uncommonly observed, bone formation is only rarely associated with chromosomal abnormalities or colobomatous eyes. Herein two cases of both scleral and intraocular ossification in patients with long-standing ocular phthisis are reported. The cases of idiopathic scleral ossification, albeit exceedingly rare, suggest that osteogenic precursor cells may reside in the sclera, as well and though very rarely, these cells can also be stimulated to form heterotopic bone by a traumatic or inflammatory local event.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. irene.percorella@uniroma1.it
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pecorella
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vingolo
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ciardi
authors.forename: Pierluigi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Grenga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D015353:Eye Enucleation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015422:Scleral Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014392:Tuberculosis, Ocular / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*