Hepatitis C-associated peripheral corneal ulceration: rapid response to intravenous steroids.

PURPOSE: We present a case of peripheral corneal ulceration in a patient with hepatitis C, which rapidly and dramatically responded to intravenous steroid treatment.

METHODS

Clinical examination and photographs were obtained to document initial presentation and therapeutic response of Mooren's-type ulcers to steroids.

RESULTS

Bilateral peripheral corneal ulceration with documented progression responded to intravenous administration of steroids within 5 days.

CONCLUSION

Previous reports of Mooren's-type ulcers in patients with chronic hepatitis C have shown a response to interferon alfa-2b, but not to oral corticosteroid therapy. Given the medical contraindications to interferon use in selected patients and the cost, we suggest a trial of high-dose systemic steroids as a possible therapy.