Case report and literature review of epithelial downgrowth post-penetrating keratoplasty

Abstract

Epithelial downgrowth (ED) after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) is a rare but troublesome complication, often leading to vision loss. We present a case of refractory ED and review of the literature on ED after keratoplasty. Case presentation and literature review was the study design. Intracameral 5-fluorouracil at the time of wound revision and placement of a tube implant for glaucoma control were successful in securing the closure of a fistulous wound after multiple transplant surgeries. In this case, the successful management of ED after PK was achieved with meticulous wound closure, adequate pressure control, and the mitigation of ED with chemoablation of the proliferating epithelial cells. More advanced cases may require repeated injections of antiproliferative medication, cryotherapy, or surgical excision of involved tissues.