[Histopathology of retrocorneal membranes after keratoplasty].
BACKGROUND
This retrospective study examines the histopathological changes, especially the occurrence of retrocorneal membranes, in irreversible graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty.


METHODS
371 corneas of 308 patients were examined. The examination was carried out using a light microscope.


RESULTS
45% of the corneas (167/371) showed a retrocorneal membrane with a thickness of 2-520 micrometers. Re-endothelialisation was detected in 75 cases. In 74% (124/167) cellular infiltration into the stroma could be observed. In 32% (119/371) the graft-host border was visible.


CONCLUSIONS
Retrocorneal membranes are a frequent finding in irreversible graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty. Aetiologically the graft-host border as well as the formation of connective tissue seem to play a key role.
Calabrese
S
S
Innere Medizin, St. Anna Krankenhaus Sulzbach-Rosenberg.
Wenkel
H
H
Rummelt
C
C
Kruse
F
F
Cursiefen
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology*; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000473:pathology*; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult