Ligneous conjunctivitis
Ligneous conjunctivitis is a rare form of chronic conjunctivitis characterized by recurrent, fibrin-rich pseudomembranous lesions of wood-like consistency that develop mainly on the underside of the eyelid (tarsal conjunctiva).[1] It is generally a systemic disease which may involve the periodontal tissue, the upper and lower respiratory tract, kidneys, middle ear, and female genitalia.[2] It can be sight-threatening,[2] and death can occasionally occur from pulmonary involvement.[citation needed]
Pathogenesis
Histopathological findings from affected humans indicate that wound healing is impaired due to a deficiency in plasmin-mediated extracellular fibrinolysis.[1] Episodes may be triggered by minor trauma, eye surgery, or by systemic events such as infections or antifibrinolytic therapy.[2] Histology shows amorphous subepithelial deposits of eosinophilic material consisting predominantly of fibrin.[clarification needed]
Treatment
Ligneous conjunctivitis may be managed by topical treatments of plasminogen,[1] topical and subconjunctival fresh frozen plasma,[1] and fibrinolytic therapy.[3]
