Keratoconus and Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis: a coincidence or a defect during embryogenesis?

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.