Chronic endophthalmitis mimicking an endothelial immune reaction after penetrating keratoplasty

We describe a patient with chronic inflammation after combined penetrating keratoplasty and cataract surgery. This condition has been considered an unusual endothelial immune reaction. Cytopathological examination of the aqueous humor showed abundant neutrophil granulocytes, a few macrophages, and sparse lymphocytes. The predominance of neutrophil granulocytes but no macrophages or, lymphocytes, as found in cases of an endothelial immune reaction, was interpreted as evidence of chronic endophthalmitis. Cytopathological evaluation of aqueous humor can be a helpful tool for differentiating between an endothelial immune reaction and chronic endophthalmitis after combined PKP and cataract surgery. (C) 2002 ASCRS and ESCRS.