Surgical detachment of Descemet's membrane and endothelium imaged over time by in vivo confocal microscopy

A 90-year-old woman developed a large circular capsulorhexis-like defect in Descemet's membrane as a complication of small incision cataract surgery. Nine months post-surgery, in vivo confocal microscopic examination of the temporal mid-peripheral cornea revealed an endothelial cell density of 934 +/- 69 cells/mm2 (normal range 1566-3088 cells/mm2). Endothelial pigmented deposits were visible as scattered hyper-reflective areas on the posterior endothelial surface. Descemet's folds were also noted. In vivo confocal microscopy performed 3 years later showed the temporal mid-peripheral corneal endothelial density (in the region of the break) was 948 +/- 66 cells/mm2. A reduction of endothelial polymegathism and pleomorphism was observed. Imaging in the region of the temporal portion of the original Descemet's defect showed well-defined linear structures with hyper-reflective edges. Compared to 3 years previously, the cornea at the level of Descemet's membrane appeared to have greater reflectivity. This case demonstrates how microstructural changes in the cornea can be described and analysed over time with the assistance of in vivo confocal microscopy.