Management of Bilateral Corneal Perforation Complicating Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report
Y. EL KHALIFA *
Department of Ophthalmology, Mohamed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco.
S. RACHDA
Department of Ophthalmology, Mohamed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco.
S. BELGHMAIDI
Department of Ophthalmology, Mohamed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco.
I. HAJJI
Department of Ophthalmology, Mohamed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco.
A. MOUTAOUAKIL
Department of Ophthalmology, Mohamed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to severe ophthalmological complications, particularly peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK), which may progress to corneal perforation, threatening both functional and anatomical prognosis. We report the case of a 65-year-old patient with erosive and deforming RA who developed bilateral corneal perforation. Management required a multidisciplinary approach combining medical and surgical treatments, including amniotic membrane transplantation and anti-TNF biotherapy. The outcome was marked by satisfactory corneal healing and partial functional improvement. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management to optimize visual prognosis.
Keywords: Corneal perforation, rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, amniotic membrane transplantation, anti-TNF biotherapy