Altitude related endothelial decompensation in a patient with Fuch’s corneal dystrophy

Poster Details

First Author: O.Richoz SWITZERLAND

Co Author(s):    F. Hafezi              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

We report a case of a 77 years pseudophakic old patient known for bilateral fuch's endothelial cornea dystrophy (FECD) who experienced a bilateral corneal decompensation during consecutively a flight and a mountain trek. Physiopathological possibles mechanisms are presented.

Setting:

The patient had bilateral endothelial decompensation with corneal oedema and Descemet folds, first after a 2 hours airplane flight and again after a mountain trek.

Methods:

Pentacam’s topography and visual acuity a day before and after the flight and the mountain trek are evaluated and the atmospheric pressure was recorded.

Results:

Baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.8 and decreased to 0.6 after each experience, associated to corneal oedema and descemet folds with a normal intraocular pressure and quiet anterior chamber. The patient was treated with topical Nacl 0.5% 5 times a day with a full recovery after two weeks.

Conclusions:

Ophthalmologist and physicians following FECD patient should be aware of this possible risk of corneal decompensation in low-pressure environnement. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE?: No