Multimodal Imaging Features of Schnyder Corneal Dystrophy

Figure 5

Corneal sections of Schnyder dystrophy stained with hematoxylin and eosin showing changes in the basal epithelial cell layer and stromal vacuolization and decreased keratocyte density. (a-b) the epithelium is formed by 4 to 7 layers. Columnar basal cells (Bc) feature apical nuclei surrounded by a clear halo and mild cytoplasmic vacuolization (thin arrows). Locally, the corneal epithelium can be detached (stars) from Bowman layer (Bl). Empty interlamellar vacuoles (arrows) are observed in the anterior and mid-stroma. The Bowman layer is preserved. (c) Mild cytoplasmic vacuolization (thin arrow) in the basal epithelial cells with preserved the Bowman layer. Some keratocyte nuclei K, as well as empty vacuoles (star), are noted in the anterior stroma. However keratocyte density is decreased from the anterior down to the posterior corneal stroma. (d) The posterior stroma (Ps) shows interlamellar vacuoles (stars). Descemet membrane (Dm) and endothelial cells appear to be normal. Scale bar show 20 μm.

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