PubMed ID: 12878872
Author(s): Bidar M, Hawes MJ, Dresner SC, Epstein G, Lucarelli MJ, Glover T, Fante RG, Migliori ME. Conjunctival melting syndrome associated with the use of bovine pericardium wrapping material. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2003 Jul;19(4):257-61. PMID 12878872
Journal: Ophthalmic Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery, Volume 19, Issue 4, Jul 2003
PURPOSE To report 18 cases of unusually large, early conjunctival breakdown occurring with the use of bovine pericardium wrapping material for orbital implants.
METHODS Retrospective case series. The clinical course and histopathologic features of 18 cases of early conjunctival breakdown in patients who had undergone orbital implantation of bovine pericardium-wrapped hydroxyapatite or porous polyethylene are reviewed.
RESULTS Eighteen patients presented with unusually large (average 13.44 mm) conjunctival defects over bovine pericardium-wrapped implants. The average time from enucleation to exposure was approximately 4 months. Implants had to be removed in 8 of 18 cases. There was clinical and histologic evidence of tissue inflammation and conjunctival melting.
CONCLUSIONS The conjunctival melting phenomenon we report herein is alarming. We have abandoned the use of bovine pericardium as a wrapping material for implants after enucleation because of the unfavorable results.