Post-LASIK epithelial dendritic defect associated with Alternaria.

PURPOSE: To report a case of a dendritic epithelial defect with interface inflammation associated with Alternaria sp. after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery.

METHODS

A case report of a 46-year-old woman who presented with a dendritic epithelial defect and interface inflammation after LASIK surgery.

RESULTS

After an apparent post-LASIK herpes simplex keratitis with related interface inflammation failed to respond to medical therapy, cornea culture results were positive for Alternaria fungal sp. 2 weeks and 6 days after presentation. Viral cultures and polymerase chain reaction were negative for herpes simplex virus. Six months after penetrating keratoplasty (and 1 year after LASIK), the patient underwent a cataract extraction OD. Best-corrected visual acuity 18 months after the original LASIK procedure was 20/25 OD.

CONCLUSIONS

Alternaria keratitis may present with a dendritic epithelial defect with interface inflammation mimicking herpes simplex virus.