Histopathology of explanted AlphaCor due to keratoprosthesis extrusion

Abstract

AlphaCor keratoprosthesis (KPro) is a new-concept poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) one-piece KPro that makes possible a two-step implantation technique easy to perform with a short learning curve. In literature an 18% incidence of AlphaCor removal due to melting complications is reported. The histopathology of corneal tissue removed during a re-operation while bearing an AlphaCor KPro has previously been described in the literature only in one report. Herein, the first histological features of an AlphaCor-corneal complex explanted because of KPro extrusion is described. The histopathology of the AlphaCor-corneal complex is characterized by mild inflammation in the corneal tissues, limited to the region surrounding the anteriorized and extruded part of the KPro. It is not possible to fully understand the mechanisms that trigger the device extrusion. One possible explanation could be a dislocation of the prosthesis in the corneal pocket due to the untied fixation stitch. Another explanation could be a foreign body reaction induced by KPro.