Systemic treatment and surgical intervention in inflammatory Terrien disease

Abstract

This case report presents a unique instance of a 55-year-old male patient exhibiting features of both Terrien marginal degeneration (TMD) and Fuchs' superficial marginal keratitis. Characterized by peripheral corneal thinning vascularization, and a pseudopterygium, the patient experienced recurrent photophobia, redness, and tearing over 15 years. This case challenges the traditional distinction between TMD and Fuchs' superficial marginal keratitis, suggesting a potential common underlying disorder. Mycophenolate mofetil provided a partial response, while pseudopterygium removal led to sustained remission, emphasizing its therapeutic significance. This case highlights the first documented use of mycophenolate in TMD and supports the notion of shared vasculitic origins between TMD and Fuchs' keratitis, raising intriguing questions about targeted therapeutic interventions.

Keywords

• fuchs superficial marginal keratitis
• mycophenolate
• peripheral thinning corneal diseases
• superficial keratectomy
• terrien marginal degeneration