Linear Corneal Epithelial Keratitis with a Horseshoe Pattern

Abstract

Purpose: To report the treatment and follow-up of a linear epithelial keratitis with a horseshoe pattern. Methods: A 21-year-old Turkish soldier, who presented with epithelial keratitis with a horseshoe pattern that did not respond to immunosuppressive and multiple anti-microbial treatment, was studied clinically. Results: No microorganism was identified with different stains, cultures, and herpes simplex virus–polymerase chain reaction. The impression cytology revealed prominent polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration at the keratitis line. The keratitis did not respond to different antimicrobial treatment or local and systemic corticosteroids. After a fourth scraping was perfomed deeply with a disc-knife, the lesion healed and did not recur in six months. Conclusıon: Linear epitheliitis of cornea with a horseshoe pattern was not found to be associated with any microorganism or systemic disease.

KEYWORDS:

• epithelial keratitis
• linear epitheliitis
• treatment resistant keratitis