Pyogenic granulomas of the cornea.

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic granulomas are vascular inflammatory lesions that represent an aberrant wound healing response. They typically arise from mucous membranes or skin. Pyogenic granulomas primarily involving the cornea have been rarely reported.

METHODS

Between January 1983 and July 1994, 14 patients with histologically proven pyogenic granulomas of the cornea were treated.

RESULTS

The precipitating event was a persistent epithelial defect in nine patients. Ocular surface disease was present in all patients. Predisposing conditions included indolent corneal ulceration, cry eye syndrome, trachoma, trichiasis, alkali burn, multiple topical drug use, previous orbital irradiation, and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid.

CONCLUSIONS

Ophthalmologists should be aware that pyogenic granulomas may involve the cornea and include this entry in the differential diagnosis of tumors involving the limbus or cornea. The typical clinical appearance, rapid growth, minimal staining with rose bengal dye, response to topical steroids, and associated ocular surface disease help to distinguish this lesion from a neoplastic epithelial tumor of the conjunctiva or cornea.