Abstract Listings 2024

Purpose

To report a case of pseudomembranous conjunctivitis (PC) associated with erythema multiforme major (EMM).

Methods

A case report.

Results

We report the case of a 44-year-old woman who presented with painful target lesions on her limbs and ulcers in the oral cavity secondary to an EMM. She reported no previous medical conditions. The patient complained of ocular discomfort, bilateral eye redness, mucopurulent discharge, and edema of the upper eyelids. Ophthalmological examination revealed conjunctival hyperemia, erosions, and pseudomembranes involving the palpebral conjunctiva. The cornea was clear on both sides. Laboratory tests confirmed Herpes Simplex Virus reactivation, thus prompting treatment with intravenous Aciclovir. Ocular symptoms were managed with topical lubricants, antibiotics, corticosteroid eye drops, and pseudomembrane removal. Over the following weeks, significant improvement was noted in both skin lesions and ocular symptoms, with gradual resolution of conjunctival inflammation. At three-month follow-up, there were no ocular complaints and no symblepharon on examination.

Conclusion

Erythema multiforme is an acute, self-limited, and sometimes recurring skin condition that is considered to be a type IV hypersensitivity reaction associated with certain infections, medications, and other various triggers. Ocular manifestations with erythema multiforme are rare and vary in severity. Early intervention is crucial to reduce inflammation and ocular surface destruction, minimizing long-term complications.

Additional Authors

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