Mucolipidosis IV in an African American patient with new findings on electron microscopy

Cornea. 2001 Jul;20(5):536-9. doi: 10.1097/00003226-200107000-00020.

Abstract

Purpose: We report an unusual case of mucolipidosis IV in a patient of African ancestry, with intracytoplasmic inclusions of the corneal endothelium found on electron microscopy.

Method: Clinical description with light and electron microscopy.

Results: We describe a case of mucolipidosis IV diagnosed in a patient of African ancestry after penetrating keratoplasty. Electron microscopic evaluation revealed intracytoplasmic inclusions in both the corneal epithelium and endothelium.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of mucolipidosis in a patient of African ancestry is unusual, as this genetic disorder is found predominantly in individuals of Jewish descent. Corneal endothelial involvement in mucolipidosis IV has not previously been reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Black People*
  • Black or African American
  • Corneal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Corneal Diseases / ethnology
  • Corneal Diseases / surgery
  • Endothelium, Corneal / ultrastructure*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inclusion Bodies / ultrastructure*
  • Keratoplasty, Penetrating
  • Mucolipidoses / diagnosis*
  • Mucolipidoses / ethnology
  • Mucolipidoses / surgery
  • Vacuoles / pathology