Epstein-Barr Virus Keratouveitis-Induced Malignant Glaucoma After Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Case Report and Literature Review

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2023 May 8:1-7. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2208659. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) keratouveitis-induced malignant glaucoma after repeat penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

Methods: Retrospective review of the patient's medical records and review of literature on EBV corneal endotheliitis and/or anterior uveitis.

Results: A 78-year-old Thai female patient presented with a markedly edematous corneal graft, dense pigmented keratic precipitates, fibrinous anterior chamber reaction, uniformly flat anterior chamber, and ocular hypertension of 55 mmHg in the left eye on the first day after the third PK. An aqueous tap for polymerase chain reaction analysis was positive for EBV DNA but negative for other herpesviruses. The patient was diagnosed with EBV endotheliitis and anterior uveitis-induced malignant glaucoma; and successfully treated with oral valacyclovir and topical 2% ganciclovir eye drops.

Conclusions: EBV endotheliitis and anterior uveitis can induce malignant glaucoma following PK. A high index of suspicion is required when a patient has a history of unexplained multiple graft rejections.

Keywords: Endotheliitis; Epstein-Barr virus; malignant glaucoma; penetrating keratoplasty; uveitis.