Unusual complications and corneal clearance after Descemet Membrane Endothelial Transfer in Pseudophakic Bullous Keratopathy

Rom J Ophthalmol. 2019 Jul-Sep;63(3):277-280.

Abstract

Purpose. to report malignant glaucoma and infectious crystalline keratopathy as complications after an uneventful Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), and corneal clearance despite graft detachment after the surgery in a patient with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. Method. A 81-year-old patient with high Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and flat anterior chamber with patent iridotomies after DMEK was diagnosed of malignant glaucoma. The medical approach being insufficient, the patient required a pars-plana vitrectomy, capsulo-hyaloidectomy, and surgical iridectomy. Results. The IOP was reduced and anterior chamber was repositioned after surgical management. Corneal clearance was observed despite graft detachment. The patient developed an infectious crystalline keratopathy after the resolution of malignant glaucoma. Conclusions. malignant glaucoma is a rare complication following DMEK. Corneal clearance can be attained despite graft detachment after DMEK probably due to an unintentional Descemet Membrane Endothelial Transfer (DMET). However, in low dosage, steroid treatment remains a risk factor for developing ICK. Abbreviations: PBK = Pseudophakic Bullous Keratopathy, DMEK = Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty, DMET = Descemet Membrane Endothelial Transfer, IOP = Intraocular Pressure, BCVA = Best Corrected Visual Acuity, AC = Anterior Chamber, MG = Malignant Glaucoma, ICK = Infectious Crystalline Keratopathy.

Keywords: DMEK; DMET; bullous keratopathy; infectious crystalline keratopathy; malignant glaucoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Corneal Diseases / complications
  • Corneal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Corneal Diseases / surgery*
  • Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Glaucoma / diagnosis
  • Glaucoma / etiology*
  • Glaucoma / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology*
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Pseudophakia / complications*
  • Pseudophakia / surgery
  • Visual Acuity*