Mucolipidosis IV in an African American patient with new findings on electron microscopy

Abstract

Purpose: We report an unusual case of mucolipidosis IV in a patient of African ancestry, with intracytoplasmic inclusions of the corneal endothelium found on electron microscopy.

Method: Clinical description with light and electron microscopy.

Results: We describe a case of mucolipidosis IV diagnosed in a patient of African ancestry after penetrating keratoplasty. Electron microscopic evaluation revealed intracytoplasmic inclusions in both the corneal epithelium and endothelium.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of mucolipidosis in a patient of African ancestry is unusual, as this genetic disorder is found predominantly in individuals of Jewish descent. Corneal endothelial involvement in mucolipidosis IV has not previously been reported.