A case of ligneous conjunctivitis

Abstract

Ligneous conjunctivitis is a rare form of idiopathic membranous conjunctivitis. It occurs with type 1 plasminogen deficiency and characterized by the development of firm, fibrin-rich, woody-like, recurrent pseudomembranous lesions mainly on the tarsal conjunctiva. It may occurs in oral cavity, tracheobronchial tree, upper gastrointestinal tract and other mucous membrans, too. Due to the plasminogen deficiency, destruction of trauma induced fibrin plaque is defected. Although autosomal ressessive inheritence is described, most of the cases are sporadic. Generally it develops during infancy and childhood, but can occurs at any age. Four year old male infant is introduced to Opthalmology department with pink to red membranous lesion on his left eye extending from conjunctiva to the iris. Histopathologic evaluation of excised material is compatible with ligneous conjunctivitis and diagnosis is confirmed with significant decreased level of plasminogen in the case. Although topical prednisolone and cyclosporin treatment lesion recurs. The patient is consulted to a haemotologist and systemic and topical fresh frozen plasma (FFP) are applied. The case is discussed in the manner of its histopathologic features and good response to FFP treatment in accompanion with literature. (Turk Arch Ped 2012; 47: 130-3)