[Usefulness of conjunctival biopsy as diagnostic technique].

PURPOSE: The conjuctival biopsy is described as a useful technique in the diagnosis of some chronic conjunctivitis, with low specific signs and with poor response to the conventional treatment. Furthermore it is quite important in the diagnosis of conjunctival diseases with potential dangerous treatment.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Three clinical cases are described. Case 1: A 37 years old woman with a chronic lesion of conjuctiva and the suspicion of blepharoconjunctivitis. There was no improvement with treatment. Case 2: A 58 years old woman with a chronic conjunctivitis and follicular reaction. Case 3: A 66 years old man who suffers from a cicatricial conjunctivis in both eyes with corneal lesion in one eye. A conjunctival biopsy was perfomed and studied under light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. There is a description of the technique.

RESULTS

The results of every clinical case are described. In the first case the biopsy established the diagnosis of conjunctival lymphoma. In the second, the biopsy showed the appearance of granulomas and a diagnosis of conjunctival sarcoidosis was performed. In the third case a diagnosis of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid was established.

CONCLUSION

Conjunctival biopsy is a useful and effective technique in the diagnosis of chronic conjunctivitis.