Abstract
Purpose: :
To describe the histopathologic findings present in melted explanted keratoprosthesis and compare them with explanted penetrating keratoplasty specimens and a negative control.
Methods: :
Histopathologic evaluation was performed on four cases of explanted melted keratoprostheses at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining was performed. Immunohistochemical staining for CD20, CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD68 was performed to further characterize the inflammatory infiltrate.
Results: :
A variable acute and chronic inflammatory infiltrate was present within the corneal stroma composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and histiocytes. A variable amount of scarring and vascularization was present. A paucity of histiocytic foam cells were present within the corneal stroma.
Conclusions: :
In contrast to previous reports of explanted keratoprostheses, a paucity of histiocytic foam cells was present in the corneal stroma in these melted keratoprostheses. Further characterization of the inflammatory infiltrate may allow for pharmacologic targetting of the stromal infiltrate so as to reduce the incidence of corneal melts in keratoprostheses.
Keywords: keratoprostheses • cornea: clinical science • inflammation