Salzmann Nodular Degeneration in Ocular and Systemic Diseases

Abstract

This review aimed to evidence the predisposing conditions for Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND), where particular attention was paid to its association with ocular and systemic diseases. SND is a rare disease characterized by bluish-white nodules located in the mid-periphery of the cornea, which are otherwise completely clear. SND has been found in association with different systemic and ocular diseases, and it may have unilateral or bilateral presentation. Initial forms are only diagnosed occasionally as they are asymptomatic, whereas, in advanced disease, the visual acuity might be seriously impaired. Although SND is well described, its exact etiopathology is currently still unknown and is frequently misdiagnosed. It is associated with ocular surface inflammatory conditions and previous corneal surgery, and it has been described in different systemic diseases. Diagnosis is clinically based with slit lamp examinations, and instrumental assessments with corneal topography permit one to observe the alterations of the corneal profile, whereas anterior segment–optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is used to investigate the stromal depth of the nodules. Therapy might be conservative with the objective of improving the ocular surface homeostasis and surgical outcomes, where the aim is to restore the corneal regularity and visual acuity. Ophthalmologists should pay particular attention when detecting nodules in patients with ocular and non-ocular inflammatory diseases to guarantee the patient a timely diagnosis and a better therapeutic outcome. Additionally, collaboration between specialists who deal with treating patients suffering from disorders potentially associated with SND is recommended.