Intracameral SF6 injection and anterior segment OCT-based documentation for acute hydrops management in pellucid marginal corneal degeneration

Abstract 

Purpose

To report a case of acute hydrops in pellucid marginal corneal degeneration (PMCD) documented with anterior segment optical segment tomography and successfully treated with sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) intracameral injection.

Methods

A 47-year-old female patient presented with spontaneous onset of pain, redness and decreased vision in her left eye. Clinical evaluation revealed bilateral PMCD with evidence of acute hydrops in the left eye. Anterior segment Slit lamp Adapted Optical Coherence Tomography (SL-OCT) examination revealed intrastromal clefts with Descemet's membrane detachment in the left eye. She was managed with descemetopexy with 0.2ml injection of iso-expansile SF6 (18%) intracameral.

Results

The patient showed excellent early resolution of the stromal edema with reattachment of the Descemet's membrane.

Conclusion

Prompt intervention in acute hydrops in PMCD cases helps in achieving early good visual results and prevents potentially serious complications such as perforation. Newer imaging modalities like SL-OCT helps in better visualisation and also in monitoring the response to treatment.

Keywords: Acute hydrops, Pellucid marginal corneal degeneration, PMCD, SF6, SLOCT