Cross-Linking Treatment and Corneal Transplant in Refractory Acremonium Keratitis: Case Report.

OBJECTIVES

To report a case of Acremonium keratitis treated with voriconazole, corneal collagen cross-linking, and corneal transplant.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 42-year-old woman who wore contact lenses daily was referred for refractory keratitis. Her main complaints were gritty sensation and pain. At slit lamp biomicroscopy, an infiltrate on the inferior paracentral cornea and an arcuate conjunctival ulceration were evident. The rest of the cornea was clear with no anterior chamber reaction. Scrapings from the corneal ulcer showed Candida parapsilosis and Acremonium species, which were sensitive to voriconazole. Despite the administration of topical, systemic, and intrastromal voriconazole for 1 month, repeat corneal scraping was positive for Acremonium, and clinical appearance and pain did not resolve. Therefore, corneal collagen cross-linking was applied. Although the pain resolved immediately after the procedure, the lesion showed no improvement. After a month of cross-linking, corneal transplant was performed for visual rehabilitation and treatment of the refractory lesion. The excised corneal button was negative for any microorganisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Although corneal collagen cross-linking may be an effective treatment for Acremonium keratitis refractory to medical therapy, corneal transplant was required for visual gain and recovery.