A. Yagci et al., Keratoconus and Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis: a coincidence or a defect during embryogenesis?, EUR J OPTHA, 11(1), 2001, pp. 73-76
PURPOSE. We aimed to discuss the possible role of developmental embryologic
factors in neural crest cells in the aetiology of keratoconus and Fuchs' h
eterochromic iridocyclitis by presenting this case.
CASE REPORT. We diagnosed bilateral keratoconus and unilateral Fuchs' heter
ochromic iridocyclitis in a 19 year old women complaining of progressively
blurring vision in her left eye. We also examined most of her first and sec
ond degree relatives. One niece had FHI in addition to a choroidal nevus in
the inferior temporal quadrant of her left eye.
DISCUSSION. Regarding the common embryological origins of iris stroma, uvea
l melanocytes and corneal stroma, it might be worth considering that the co
mbination of FHI and keratoconus is not coincidental. A role of embryologic
factors in neural crest cells in the etiology of both diseases cannot be e
xcluded.