Extrusion of abnormal endothelium into the posterior corneal stroma in a patient with posterior polymorphous dystrophy

Abstract

Purpose: To report the presence of abnormal endothelium that extruded into the posterior corneal stroma in a patient with posterior polymorphous dystrophy.

Methods: The corneal button of a man who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for posterior polymorphous dystrophy was examined by light and electron microscopy. Immunoperoxidase staining for cytokeratins, vimentin, and the endothelial antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody 2B4.14.1 antigen was performed. Two-color immunofluorescence staining for simultaneous detection of cytokeratins and 2B4.14.1 antigen was also done.

Results: Much of the endothelium had characteristic features of epithelium-like cells, and abnormalities in Descemet's membrane were present. Curious oval and slit-like spaces in the posterior stroma were lined by epithelium-like endothelial cells and were continuous with the anterior chamber through defects in Descemet's membrane.

Conclusion: These abnormalities in the posterior stroma have not previously been described in histopathologic reports of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy and are likely an unusual variation in the spectrum of this hereditary disorder.