Clinical Manifestations and Long-term Outcomes of Endothelial Keratoplasty in Patients with Proven VZV-related Endothelial Decompensation

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To report the clinical manifestations, postoperative complications and long-term outcomes of endothelial keratoplasty in VZV-related endothelial decompensation.

Methods

In this retrospective study, thirteen eyes undergoing endothelial keratoplasty (EK) for VZV-related endothelial decompensation were compared with controls for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

Results

Twelve patients did not have typical dermal pain or blisters. Ten patients had obvious iris abnormalities. Glaucoma was noted in eight patients before surgery. The best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.12 ± 0.47 to 0.39 ± 0.43 (p = .002), whereas endothelial cell (EC) loss was 65% ±15% at 12 months that higher than that in the controls (p < .05). Postoperative complications included graft detachment (2/13), recurrence of endotheliitis (3/13), neurotrophic ulcer (1/13) and scleritis (1/13).

Conclusions

The onset of VZV-related endothelial decompensation is generally insidious. Iris segmental atrophy, glaucoma and pigment KPs are highly suspected to be associated with VZV. EK is a reasonable option to rehabilitate vision.

Keywords:

• VZV-related endothelial decompensation
• endothelial keratoplasty
• clinical outcome

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under grant nos. [81970768 and 81800801].