Subepithelial infiltrates: a probable sign of corneal transplant rejection.

A previously undescribed slit-lamp manifestation of a probable corneal transplant rejection reaction was found in 22 patients among 145 who underwent penetrating keratoplasty during a two-year period. The reaction consisted of subepithelial infiltrates that were located only in the donor tissue; were without associated conjunctivitis; and that occurred six weeks to 21 months postoperatively, either alone or in association with epithelial and/or endothelial rejection; and that responded well to topical corticosteroid treatment. In one case, the subepithelial infiltrates preceded a severe endothelial rejection by only a few days. The lesions are a warning that all is not well and that corticosteroid therapy should be instituted or increased.