Corneal perforation due to severe peripheral ulcerative keratitis in Crohn disease.

PURPOSE: To describe corneal perforation secondary to severe peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) in a patient with Crohn disease.

METHODS

Interventional case report.

RESULTS

A 72-year-old male with biopsy-proven Crohn disease presented with reduced vision, PUK, and corneal perforation in the right eye. Despite initial treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone and a conjunctival flap, a tectonic sectorial penetrating keratoplasty was required to preserve the globe and achieve a good visual result.

CONCLUSIONS

Crohn disease may be associated with severe PUK leading to corneal perforation. Tectonic corneal grafting combined with treatment of the underlying systemic disease was associated with a favorable outcome.