title: Superior forniceal advancement conjunctival pedicle (SFACP) in the management of corneal perforations and impending perforations due to rheumatoid arthritis related autoimmune corneal melts.
abstract: Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a disorder consisting of a crescent-shaped destructive inflammation of the perilimbal corneal stroma. PUK may occur in variety of systemic diseases including collagen vascular disease. We describe the outcome of superior forniceal advancement conjunctival pedicle (SFACP) in two patients with corneal perforation and impending perforation due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) related auto immune corneal melt that has not previously been reported. Both patients had good recovery with restoration of vision when SFACP was performed as an adjunct to systemic immunosuppressive agents. SFACP is a valuable surgical option which may have an important role in reducing progression of corneal melt and underlying disease when used along with adequate systemic immunosuppressive agents.
authors.affiliation: Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Muhammad Amer
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Awan
authors.forename: Kanna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ramaesh
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications; D057112:Corneal Perforation / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013524:Surgical Flaps