Pathophysiology. The expression of MMP-2 by the basal epithelial cells overlying Salzmann nodules suggests that these cells may be contributing to the destruction of Bowman’s layer, subsequently resulting in migration and proliferation of keratocytes and deposition of extracellular matrix in nodular areas.
Salzmann's nodular degeneration of cornea of right eye ICD-10-CM H18.451 is grouped within Diagnostic Related Group (s) (MS-DRG v38.0): 124 Other disorders of the eye with mcc 125 Other disorders of the eye without mcc
The American Academy of Ophthalmology's Pathology Atlas contains a virtual microscopy image of Salzmann Nodular Degeneration .
H18.459 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM H18.459 became effective on October 1, 2021. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H18.459 - other international versions of ICD-10 H18.459 may differ.
Salzmann nodules consist of a hypercellular area of extracellular matrix seen between a thinned overlying corneal epithelium and a fragmented or absent Bowman's layer. Cellular elements within these nodules stain with vimentin (similar to fibroblasts).
Salzmann's nodular degeneration (SND) is a degenerative disorder of the cornea. Gray white to bluish nodules composed of scar like tissue form beneath the surface layer of the cornea.
Risk factors for SND include ocular surface diseases and surgery. Surgical intervention is recommended in individuals with symptomatic nodules – primarily superficial keratectomy performed with or without intraoperative mitomycin C, photokeratectomy, and/or amniotic membrane transplantation.
Salzmann's nodules can be removed with a blade or with an excimer laser (phototherapeutic keratectomy or PTK) with good success. The nodules sometimes recur after excision. The use of the anti-scarring agent mitomycin-C at the time of the procedure is believed to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences.
A nodule is a growth of abnormal tissue. Nodules can develop just below the skin. They can also develop in deeper skin tissues or internal organs. Dermatologists use nodules as a general term to describe any lump underneath the skin that's at least 1 centimeter in size.
Terrien's marginal degeneration is an uncommon but distinct variety of marginal thinning of the cornea. It causes a slowly progressive non-inflammatory, unilateral or asymmetrically bilateral peripheral corneal thinning and is associated with corneal neovascularization, opacification and lipid deposition.
Salzmann's nodular degeneration is an uncommon, yet potentially sight-threatening condition that may require surgery. By Paul M. Karpecki, O.D., and Diana L. Shechtman, O.D.
Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis is a nodular inflammation of the cornea or conjunctiva that results from a hypersensitivity reaction to a foreign antigen.
Anterior Basement Membrane Corneal Dystrophy is the official name for Map Dot Fingerprint Corneal Dystrophy. In this condition, the basement membrane under the corneal epithelium does not function properly. The basement membrane functions as a sticky anchor over which the epithelium grows.
Salzmann nodular degeneration was first described by Maximilian Salzmann. 1 It is more often associated with chronic corneal diseases2 and is not considered to be hereditary. We describe this condition in four women in four successive generations, all direct descendants.
The cause of these bumps on the cornea is unknown. Patients who have had eye trauma have a higher chance of developing nodular cornea degeneration. Conditions that cause eye inflammation such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) may also increase the chances of having this condition.
They are caused by deposits of fat or protein and are usually located on the white part of the eyeball nearest the nose. A combination of dry eyes and UV rays from the sun can cause a pinguecula to form.
Salzmann’s nodular degeneration (SND) is a slowly progressive corneal degeneration that has been associated with ocular surface inflammation and trauma but also can be idiopathic. Management includes observation in asymptomatic patients, medical treatment with lubricants or topical medications, and surgical treatment with superficial keratectomy, phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), and lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty. Superficial keratectomy can be used to treat the vast majority of these lesions, with lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty reserved for lesions with associated scarring deep within the stroma.#N#While initial descriptions of SND in the literature note that it may develop following keratitis, 1,2 more recent studies have identified associations with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, contact lens wear, meibomian gland disease/blepharitis, dry eye and previous ocular surgery. 3-5 Salzmann’s nodules may be unilateral or bilateral and are found more frequently in women. 4,5 Recognition of this condition is important as it is has a good prognosis if readily treated.
The nodules appear white, grey or bluish and slightly elevated in the superficial corneal layers and may have an associated iron line (Figure 1). They may appear as single or multiple lesions and are often seen in the mid-periphery (Figure 2).
Forceps are used to grasp the edge of the nodule firmly and raise this edge. If using 0.12 mm or Colibri forceps, they can be spread widely and the two-pronged arm used to rake toward a border of the lesion until the edge is identified and can be grasped.
Many types of instruments can be used to remove the nodules. Often all that is required is 0.12 mm, Colibri or jeweler’s forceps. In addition, a crescent or Beaver blade or a Tooke knife may assist with dissection.
Prior to cataract surgery, the nodules may affect biometry measurements and removal may be warranted to obtain the best possible measurements prior to intraocular lens selection.
For most nodules, epithelial debridement is not necessary. If there is associated epithelial basement membrane dystrophy or to improve visualization of poorly visible nodules, epithelial debridement can be performed manually using a blade or spatula and with or without the assistance of alcohol. 8.
If a nodule is well adhered to the limbus and cannot be easily stripped (usually due to an associated fibrovascular pannus), scissors can be used to amputate the lesion along the limbus. Following removal of the nodules, the underlying corneal surface is often smooth.
These elevated nodules can be located near the limbus or in the mid-peripheral cornea.
Spontaneous resolution has not been reported to date —treatment involves either medical management or surgical removal of the nodu lar lesions , depending on the patient’s clinical picture. Surgical treatment (when indicated) usually results in rapid improvement of visual acuity .
The kera tocytes seen in the nodular stroma have not been shown to be mitotically active; rather, they resemble activated fibroblasts or myofibroblasts of the anterior stroma during corneal repair. Morphometric analysis yields a thinned corneal epithelium (2-4 fold) overlying the Salzmann nodules .
In some cases, superficial keratectomy can easily separate elevated nodular tissue from the corneal surface, leaving Bowman’s layer (where present) untouched. These operations are followed by subsequent phototherapeutic keratectomy in order to create a homogeneous cornea. Recurrence is rare with such cases.
For an unknown reason, some eyes develop one or more creamy white nodular elevations called Salzmann’s nodules. These are often mild and located at the edge of the cornea, not causing any symptoms, and can simply be followed. However, if the nodules are larger or more central, they may cause irritation and/or decreased vision.
Salzmann’s nodules can be removed with a blade or with an excimer laser (phototherapeutic kerat ectomy or PTK) with good success. The nodules sometimes recur after excision. The use of the anti-scarring agent mitomycin-C at the time of the procedure is believed to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences.