American Journal of Ophthalmology
Volume 137, Issue 2 , Pages 323-328, February 2004

Impression cytology in the diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis with surface involvement☆

  • Yu Sawada, MD, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
    • ,
  • Ching Yuan, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
    • ,
  • Andrew J.W. Huang, MD, MPH

      Affiliations

    • Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationInquiries to Andrew J. W. Huang, MD, MPH, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, 516 Delaware St SE, 9th Fl, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; fax: (612) 625-7107

Accepted 3 September 2003.

Abstract 

Purpose

To evaluate the use of impression cytology in the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis with surface involvement.

Design

Observational case series.

Methods

Three patients with culture-proven superficial Acanthamoeba keratitis were studied. Patients' medical records were reviewed for clinical information, treatment procedures and disease course. Impression cytology specimens taken from the cornea of those patients were processed and observed by bright field microscopy. The main outcome measure was the cytopathological examination and identification of amoebic organisms.

Results

In each of these three patients, impression cytology specimens revealed the amoeba cysts. Some specimens also showed pleomorphic trophozoites with typical amoeba nuclei.

Conclusion

Corneal impression cytology successfully detected the cysts and trophozoites of Acanthamoeba from patients with superficial amoeba keratitis. This indicates that impression cytology can be a useful technique to facilitate early diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis with surface involvement.

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☆ Biosketches and/or additional material at www.ajo.com doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2003.09.019

PII: S0002-9394(03)01093-6

doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2003.09.019

American Journal of Ophthalmology
Volume 137, Issue 2 , Pages 323-328, February 2004

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