Posterior polymorphous dystrophy associated with posterior amyloid degeneration of the cornea

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a case of posterior polymorphous dystrophy associated with posterior amyloid degeneration of the cornea confirmed histopathologically and immunohistochemically.

Methods: An 80-year-old woman with corneal opacities required penetrating keratoplasty. The keratectomy specimen was evaluated by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry.

Results: Microscopic examination of the keratectomy specimen showed scattered fusiform deposits located in the deep corneal stroma. Congo red stains of the fusiform deposits confirmed the diagnosis of amyloidosis. Immunohistochemical stains for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) showed that the endothelial cells were immunoreactive, confirming the diagnosis of posterior polymorphous dystrophy.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, the association between posterior polymorphous dystrophy and posterior amyloid degeneration has not been reported previously.