Eyelid Molluscum Contagiosum Lesions in Two Patients with Unilateral Chronic Conjunctivitis

Abstract

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection of the skin and mucosal tissues characterized by skin-colored or transparent round nodules with a dimple or pit in the center. The infection is caused by a DNA poxvirus called the MC virus. Although MC generally occurs in children, it has also been reported in immunocompromised and atopic patients. The virus is transmitted by skin contact or sexual intercourse. The lesions disappear spontaneously within several months in most cases. However, excision, cryotherapy, cauterization, topical chemical and antiviral agents, and/or oral cimetidine are used in refractory cases or to accelerate the healing process. Herein, we discussed the clinical findings and our treatment of two patients with unilateral chronic conjunctivitis associated with eyelid MC lesions in light of the literature.

Keywords: Molluscum contagiosum; chronic conjunctivitis; eyelid lesions.

Figure 1A. Image of patient 1 showing 2 pitted papular lesions situated 2 mm from the lash line of the right upper lid and a similar lesion 5 mm from the lash line on the lateral aspect of the lid

Figure 1B. Image of patient 1 showing conjunctival hyperemia and intense follicular reaction at the lower fornix

Figure 1C, 1D. Pathological specimen showing excised papule and eosinophilic intracytoplasmic viral inclusion bodies (hematoxylin & eosin, x20 and x100)

Figure 1E, 1F. Postoperative images of patient 1 show the eyelid lesion has disappeared and the follicular reaction in the conjunctiva has completely regressed

Figure 2A. Image of patient 2 showing a pitted papular lesion 2x2 mm in size situated 4 mm from the lash line on the medial aspect of the right upper eyelid

Figure 2B. Image of patient 2 showing conjunctival hyperemia and mild to moderate follicular reaction in the tarsal conjunctiva

Figure 2C. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies are observed in the cytoplasm of squamous cells in the stratum granulosum layer (hematoxylin&eosin, x100)

Figure 2D, 2E. Postoperative images of patient 2 show the lesion on the eyelid has disappeared and the follicular reaction in the conjunctiva is decreased