This case reports the unusual coexistence of keratoconus and salzmann nodular degeneration in a patient, highlighting the need for thorough evaluation.
We report a highly unusual case involving the coexistence of four rare ophthalmic conditions (keratoconus, Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND), congenital ptosis, and congenital retinal macrovessel) in a single patient. A young woman in her late adolescence presented with bilateral progressive vision loss and a history of left upper eyelid drooping since childhood. She was recently diagnosed as being in the early stages of pregnancy. Ocular examination revealed signs consistent with keratoconus, including corneal thinning, conical protrusion, and a scissoring reflex on retinoscopy. Two subepithelial, bluish-gray nodules characteristic of SND were found in the right eye. The patient also demonstrated left-sided congenital ptosis with good levator function and Bell's phenomenon. Fundus evaluation revealed bilateral optic disc hypoplasia and a congenital retinal macrovessel traversing the fovea in the right eye without associated hemorrhage or cysts. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation when encountering atypical presentations. The association between keratoconus and other systemic or ocular disorders has been well-documented; however, simultaneous manifestation with Salzmann nodular degeneration, congenital ptosis, and congenital retinal macrovessel expands the spectrum of possible syndromic presentations.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Das et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: