Recurrent Lisch Epithelial Corneal Dystrophy Treated With 5-Fluorouracil: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cornea. 2023 May 1;42(5):645-647. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003211. Epub 2022 Dec 19.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe a case of Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy (LECD), review its clinical and histopathological features and diagnostic imaging, and introduce a novel treatment approach using topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Methods: A 65-year-old woman presented with a recurrent left-sided corneal lesion consistent with LECD. The lesion was evaluated clinically, with high-resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT), and histologically. The lesion was successfully treated with two 1-week cycles of topical 5-FU.

Results: Slit-lamp examination showed an opalescent, whorl-shaped corneal lesion. HR-OCT revealed a trapezoidal area of normal thickness epithelial hyperreflectivity. Histopathology demonstrated a mucosal epithelium with foamy cytoplasm and increased cell size consistent with LECD. Treatment with topical 5-FU resulted in marked clearance of the corneal lesion on slit-lamp examination and HR-OCT.

Conclusions: 5-FU may be considered as a treatment option for LECD.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary* / diagnosis
  • Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary* / drug therapy
  • Epithelium
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods

Substances

  • Fluorouracil

Supplementary concepts

  • Corneal Dystrophy, Lisch Epithelial