Posters

Fast growing pterygium in a caucasic paediatric patient

Poster Details

First Author: M.Fernandez SPAIN

Co Author(s):    R. Wakfie-Corieh   M. Rodríguez Merchante   B. García Sandoval   J. San Roman Llorens   F. Vicente Andreu        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To describe the case of a 4-year-old child with progressive pterygium on the left eye (OS) and to review all European young patients diagnosed with pterygium

Setting:

University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz

Methods:

A 4-year-old girl presented with progressive nasal pterygium on her OS since 6 months. After the pterygium surgery she developed mild astigmatism. Best-uncorrected visual acuity (BUCVA), autorefractor (AR), retinoscopy, performed slit-lamp biomicroscopy (SLB), anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), topography and histopathologic examination of the conjunctival tissue sample.

Results:

Initially, BUCVA was on both eyes (OU) 0.8+, AR was on the right eye (OD) +1.75 -0.75 180º left eye (OS) +1.25 -0.75 170º and the retinoscopy was OD +1.75 -1.75 180º OS +1.25 -0.75 170º. SLB OS showed an atrophic and hyperemic nasal pterygium encroaching cornea 1mm and limbus 3 mm. AS-OCT showed conjunctival tissue growth and the tenon capsule with progressive transition to the corneal stroma. Pterygium resection and conjuntival autograft were performed and the histopathology proved a squamous epithelial change and mild corion constriction. The evolution 3 months later is satisfactory, without signs of recurrence

Conclusions:

Pterygium is a benign progressive fibrovascular overgrowth of the conjunctiva which can encroach the cornea causing astigmatism. The peak incidence lies between the 20-40 years, but few causes have been reported on childs. The prevalence varies from 0.3% to 29% worldwide, with a higher rate in tropical areas caused by the ultraviolet light exposure. The diagnosis is based on anamnesis, SLB, and AR. Management includes medical treatment with artificial tears and steroids, and surgery. Definitive resolution in children may be more difficult to achieve due to a higher rate of recurrence (36.1%) and more aggressive behavour.

Financial Disclosure:

None