Title | Let this be lattice? Dendritiform erosion in lattice dystrophy type I, a source of confusion. |
Purpose | Lattice dystrophy type I usually presents with symptoms of recurrent erosions. As these erosions frequently follow the branching pattern of the underlying lattice network, they may often mimic dendritic herpetic keratitis. The purpose of this poster is to differentiate between a dendritiform erosion in lattice dystrophy type I and a genuine dendritic ulcer. |
Methods | Biomicroscopy/anterior segment photography |
Results | Lattice dystrophy type I appears in the first decade of life. Corneal involvement is usually bilateral and symmetric. In the early stages, the lesions can appear as irregular lines and dots in the anterior axial stroma with clear intervening stroma. These lines increase in size and number with time, extend to the periphery, and involve both the deeper and the superficial stromal tissue. Epithelial erosions occur secondary to involvement of the subepithelial area and Bowman’s layer. Therefore they follow the pattern of the lattice network. Decreased corneal sensation occurs in later stages. Herpes simplex dendrites are fine, branching epithelial defects which stain brightly with fluorescein. They typically have terminal bulbs and swollen epithelial borders. A herpetic dendritic ulcer has no predilection for the central cornea. |
Conclusion | A dendritiform erosion in lattice dystrophy type I typically follows the branching pattern of the underlying lattice network, is mostly seen in the central cornea and lacks terminal bulbs and swollen borders. |
Last name | VANLERBERGHE |
Initials | V |
Department | University Hospital |
City | Ghent |
Last name | Kestelyn |
Initials | Ph-A |
Department | University Hospital |
City | Ghent |
Last name | Claerhout |
Initials | I |
Department | University Hospital |
City | Ghent |
Last name | Kestelyn |
Initials | P |
Department | University Hospital |
City | Ghent |