Descemet Membrane Detachment Triggered by Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography in a Patient with a History of Penetrating Keratoplasty for Keratoconus Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: We report a case of late-onset Descemet membrane detachment triggered by contrast-enhanced computed tomography more than 30 years after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus and describe its successful treatment with air tamponade.

Case presentation: A 53-year-old woman with a history of uneventful penetrating keratoplasty more than 30 years ago for keratoconus presented with acute vision loss caused by corneal edema 2 days after undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) revealed corneal stromal edema in the graft and Descemet's fold and partial Descemet membrane detachment without a tear. The patient received 0.1% betamethasone eye drops once every hour, along with sub-Tenon's triamcinolone acetonide injection. Anti-inflammatory treatment improved corneal edema; however, the detachment area widened. Air tamponade facilitated complete Descemet membrane reattachment and improved corneal thickness with complete restoration of visual acuity.

Conclusion: An immune response may have been involved in the progression of Descemet membrane detachment in this patient. Anti-inflammatory treatment may have facilitated Descemet membrane reattachment prior to air or gas tamponade. AS-OCT is an excellent imaging modality to detect Descemet membrane detachment in eyes with presumed late penetrating graft rejection or failure.

Keywords: Descemet membrane detachment; Keratoconus; Penetrating keratoplasty.