A Report of Localized Corneal Amyloidosis Secondary to the Trichiasis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a localized corneal amyloidosis secondary to trichiasis. METHODS: Case 1. A 55-year-old woman visited our clinic due to discomfort of her right eye. Thirty years previously, she received a lower lid blepharoplasty due to lower lid entropion. Biomicroscopy revealed some trichiasis and a 3 mm, grayish-white nodule at the center of the cornea. Case 2. A 30-year-old woman visited our clinic due to chronic irritation of both eyes. Ten and 3 years previously, she received a lower lid blepharoplasty. Biomicroscopy revealed some trichiasis of the right lower lid and a grayish-white, patch-like lesion at the inferior cornea of both eyes. Lamellar keratectomy and amniotic membrane transplantation with careful electrolysis were performed. RESULTS: Hematoxylin and eosin stain revealed a pink, amorphous, hyaline material under the epithelium, and Congo-red stain showed birefringence of the whitish lesion. Electron microscopy revealed multidirectional, fibrillar arrangement. Secondary, localized amyloidosis of the cornea was diagnosed without any systemic involvement. No clues to the origin of the amyloid were found by immunohistochemical staining. By the sixth month after operation, the patients showed favorable vision and no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In the identification of a corneal mass, a secondary, localized amyloidosis should be considered, which can be managed successfully.