MEESMANN-CORNEAL-EPITHELIAL-DYSTROPHY IN A SAUDI-ARABIAN FAMILY

PURPOSE: Meesmann corneal epithelial dystrophy is a dominantly inherit ed disorder that was originally reported in Germany and later in desce ndants of German immigrants to the United States. We report Meesmann c orneal epithelial dystrophy in a family that cannot be traced to Germa nic origin. METHODS: A 17-year-old Saudi boy from the Al-Qahtani tribe of the Asir region of the kingdom came to the King Khaled Eye Special ist Hospital with classic clinical findings of Meesmann corneal epithe lial dystrophy. We examined all members of the immediate family of the index case and members of five branches of the extended family. RESUL TS: Meesmann corneal epithelial dystrophy was present in the father an d one sister of the index case. Four additional affected individuals w ere identified in three generations of one branch of the extended fami ly. All but one of the seven affected individuals were aged 17 years o r older. Our findings are consistent with previous reports of an autos omal dominant pattern of inheritance, with probable incomplete penetra nce or delayed onset of phenotypic expression. CONCLUSION: We report M eesmann corneal epithelial dystrophy in a family without German ancest ry.