Reactive keratoma of the central corneal epithelium.

PURPOSE: The authors present a unique corneal tumor.

METHODS

A 75-year-old gardener presented with a 1-year history of a slowly growing central corneal lesion with progressive visual loss. We performed an ophthalmic examination, slit lamp photography, high-frequency ultrasonography, and culture with sensitivity (followed by therapeutic scrape biopsy).

RESULTS

Clinical examination revealed a gray-white central corneal tumor without extension to the limbus. No significant tumor neovascularization or intraocular inflammation was noted. High frequency ultrasound revealed no penetration of the corneal stroma. The tumor was removed with a platinum spatula. Histopathology revealed simple hyperkeratosis characterized by stratified hyperkeratotic corneal epithelium with metaplastic granular layer characteristic of epidermis. Few and focal clusters of passenger bacteria were found (as seen in cutaneous leukoplakia). Cultures revealed a few Gram-positive cocci and no fungus. A human papilloma virus wide-screen spectrum assay (in situ hybridization) was negative.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors present a benign keratoma of the central corneal epithelium. High frequency ultrasound and scrape biopsy histopathologic techniques were used to diagnose and treat this keratoleukoma caused by a reactive keratoma as well as improve his vision.