Post-LASIK epithelial dendritic defect associated with Alternaria.
Author(s): Kocaturk T, Pineda R 2nd, Green LK, Azar DT
Affiliation(s): Department of Ophthalmology, Adnan Menderes University Medical School, Aydin, Turkey.
Publication date & source: 2007-10, Cornea., 26(9):1144-6.
Publication type: Case Reports
PURPOSE: To report a case of a dendritic epithelial defect with interface inflammation associated with Alternaria sp. after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. METHODS: A case report of a 46-year-old woman who presented with a dendritic epithelial defect and interface inflammation after LASIK surgery. RESULTS: After an apparent post-LASIK herpes simplex keratitis with related interface inflammation failed to respond to medical therapy, cornea culture results were positive for Alternaria fungal sp. 2 weeks and 6 days after presentation. Viral cultures and polymerase chain reaction were negative for herpes simplex virus. Six months after penetrating keratoplasty (and 1 year after LASIK), the patient underwent a cataract extraction OD. Best-corrected visual acuity 18 months after the original LASIK procedure was 20/25 OD. CONCLUSIONS: Alternaria keratitis may present with a dendritic epithelial defect with interface inflammation mimicking herpes simplex virus.
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