A mysterious case of bilateral stromal keratitis

Authors

  • Michelle D. Lingao, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Manila, Philippines Author
  • Ruben Lim Bon Siong, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Manila, Philippines Author
  • Mario J. Valenton, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Manila, Philippines Author

Abstract

Objectives: To describe a rare case of bilateral stromal keratitis and demonstrate the effectiveness of penetrating keratoplasty in the management of toxocara keratitis.

Method: This is a case report.

Results: A 53-year-old male farmer had a 10-month history of bilateral corneal opacity, photophobia, redness, foreign body sensation, and eye pain. The diagnosis was central microbial keratitis with the following etiologies considered: Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex, fungal, syphilis, tuberculosis (TB), myobacteria other than TB, and acanthamoeba. Despite treatment with topical steroids and antibiotics, both eyes worsened. Penetrating keratoplasty markedly improved the patient’s visual acuity. Histopathology of the left corneal button revealed toxocara keratitis.

Conclusion: Good history taking, complete systemic and ocular examinations, and a histopathology of the corneal tissues are vital to the diagnosis of toxocara keratitis. Penetrating keratoplasty was shown to be effective in its management. Emphasis is given on prevention to decrease the incidence of the disease.

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Published

2006-06-01

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 1

Section

BRIEF REPORTS

License

Copyright (c) 2006 Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology

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