Limbal stem cell deficiency following topical mitomycin C treatment of conjunctival-corneal intraepithelial neoplasia

Am J Ophthalmol. 2004 May;137(5):950-1. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2003.10.048.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of conjunctival-corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (CCIN) in an elderly African American patient treated with topical mitomycin C and the subsequent complication of limbal stem cell deficiency.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: A 92-year-old African American woman was diagnosed with CCIN in the right eye. Following incisional biopsy, the patient received five 1-week courses of 0.04% mitomycin C and was followed over a period of 10 months.

Results: The CCIN regressed completely following mitomycin C therapy. Three months later, the patient developed recurrent nonhealing epithelial defects in the right cornea.

Conclusions: Conjunctival-corneal intraepithelial neoplasia may occur in the African American population. Although MMC is effective in eradicating CCIN, a limbal stem cell deficiency may complicate the treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / adverse effects
  • Carcinoma in Situ / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma in Situ / pathology
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / pathology
  • Corneal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Corneal Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Corneal Diseases / pathology
  • Epithelium, Corneal / drug effects*
  • Epithelium, Corneal / pathology
  • Eye Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Eye Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Limbus Corneae / drug effects
  • Limbus Corneae / pathology
  • Mitomycin / adverse effects*
  • Recurrence
  • Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Stem Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Mitomycin