THE SPECULAR MICROSCOPIC APPEARANCE OF CORNEAL GRAFT ENDOTHELIUM DURING AN ACUTE REJECTION EPISODE

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Abstract
The specular microscopic appearance of a human graft endothelium during a successfully treated acute endothelial rejection episode is reported. Coinciding with the increased thickness of the graft great disturbance in cellular morphology was observed. Individual cells appeared swollen or showed bright intracellular areas. Abnormalities with respect to cellular intersections occurred at junctional complexes of more than 3 cells. The significance of these abnormalities is discussed. The morphological changes subsided gradually as the graft cleared and the thickness decreased. Non-contact specular microscopic technique is invaluable since it enables a thorough study of the diseased corneal endothelium without traumatizing the cornea and interfering with subsequent specular microscopic examinations.