Corneal Epithelial Dendritic Cell Response as a Putative Marker of Neuro-inflammation in Small Fiber Neuropathy

ABSTRACT

We report a case of a 41-year old female with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome, who developed symptoms of painful small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Examination using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) revealed dense accumulations of putative dendritic cells in the central cornea that was postulated to represent a peripheral neuro-inflammatory response. Interventions with higher dose prednisolone, and then intravenous immunoglobulin resulted in substantial, progressive improvements in her symptoms, which were paralleled by cumulative reductions in corneal dendritic cell density (DCD). This case identifies corneal DCD as a potential non-invasive marker of symptomatic SFN due to inflammatory causes.

Keywords:

• Confocal microscopy
• cornea
• dendritic cell
• inflammation
• nerve
• neuropathy

Declaration of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.