Heidelberg retina tomograph II findings of Acanthamoeba keratitis

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2005 Dec;13(6):487-92. doi: 10.1080/09273940590951098.

Abstract

Purpose: Heidelberg retina tomograph II (HRTII) examination was performed with cornea module in one patient with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) to provide images detailing characteristic findings of the disease.

Methods: A 34-year-old woman presented with clinical signs and symptoms of AK. HRTII with cornea module was performed and the patient underwent laboratory investigations.

Results: HRTII examination with cornea module revealed numerous 20-26-micro m diameter high-contrast round particles within the corneal epithelium and anterior stroma, resembling Acanthamoeba cysts. Stellate cells as well as ovoid irregular objects, possibly inflammatory cells, trophozoites, altered cysts, or activated keratocytes, were also present in the area of stromal infiltrates. Laboratory investigations confirmed the diagnosis of AK.

Conclusions: HRTII cornea module can be helpful in the diagnosis of AK by identifying acanthamoeba cyst-like structures in the cornea. This technique also has potential uses in monitoring the efficiency of anti-infective treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acanthamoeba / genetics
  • Acanthamoeba / isolation & purification
  • Acanthamoeba Keratitis / diagnosis*
  • Acanthamoeba Keratitis / parasitology
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Epithelium, Corneal / parasitology
  • Epithelium, Corneal / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lasers
  • Ophthalmoscopy / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Retina
  • Tomography

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan