Voriconazole Induced Ocular Surface Dysplasia – Report of Two Cases

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To report ocular surface dysplasia induced by voriconazole treatment in two patients with recalcitrant fungal keratitis.

Methods

Observational study

Results

Case 1 – A 49 year old female who was a known case of fungal keratitis and treated with prolonged topical voriconazole therapy, underwent penetrating keratoplasty and the histopathological examination of corneal specimen showed multiple keratin pearls with dyskeratotic cells suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma.

Case 2 - A 78-year-old man who was diagnosed as fungal keratitis in his left eye and treated with topical voriconazole 1% and itraconazole 1% for 6 months underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Histopathology of the host corneal tissue showed squamous cells with irregular thickening with dyskeratotic cells and squamous eddies suggestive of voriconazole induced dysplasia.

Conclusion

Prolonged topical voriconazole treatment in fungal keratitis can induce ocular surface dysplasia. Early diagnosis and treatment of the dysplastic changes can result in complete remission and prevent recurrence.

KEYWORDS:

• Voriconazole
• squamous cell carcinoma
• fungal keratitis
• photosensitivity

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.