The histology of graft adhesion in descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the histologic findings of full-thickness corneas from penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in 10 patients with a prior history of Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty.


METHODS
Retrospective review of the histopathology of 10 PK specimens.


METHODS
We reviewed histologic sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and colloidal iron stains from 10 PK specimens, which had been trisected and submitted in their entirety. Clinical data were abstracted from the medical record.


RESULTS
The interface between host and graft in most cases was barely perceptible with minimal changes in the degree of tissue eosinophilia, a subtle increase in keratocyte cellularity focally, or the presence of melanin granules within keratocytes. Residual host Descemet membrane (DM) was found in 8 of the 10 cases, most often at the edges of the graft. In no case did the presence of DM appear to hinder graft adhesion.


CONCLUSIONS
The adhesion of Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty grafts is not associated with significant scarring or keratocyte proliferation. Contrary to previous assumptions, retained DM did not appear to hinder graft adhesion, raising the possibility that removal of DM may be unnecessary for endothelial transplantation.
Caldwell
Matthew C
MC
Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA. matthew.caldwell@duke.edu
Afshari
Natalie A
NA
Decroos
Francis C
FC
Proia
Alan D
AD
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology* / Q000637:transplantation; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014019:Tissue Donors; D014945:Wound Healing; D055815:Young Adult