The specular microscopic appearance of corneal graft endothelium during an acute rejection episode. A case report.

The specular microscopic appearance of a graft endothelium during a successfully treated acute endothelial rejection episode is reported. Coinciding with the increased thickness of the graft great disturbance in cellular morphology was observed. Individual cells were seen to appear swollen or to show bright intracellular areas. Also abnormalities with respect to cellular intersections were seen with the occurrence of junctional complexes at which more than three cells met. The significance of these abnormalities is discussed. The morphological changes subsided gradually as the graft cleared and the thickness decreased. This study examplifies the value of the non-contact specular microscopic technique which enables a thorough study of the diseased corneal endothelium without traumatizing the cornea and interfering with subsequent specular microscopic examinations.