Does anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID) play a role in posterior lamellar keratoplasty? Case report of a splenectomized patient

Abstract

Background: It has been shown experimentally in rodents that removal of the spleen leads to increased rejection of corneal allografts after corneal transplantation (keratoplasty). Case presentation: Here, we report a unique case of a splenectomized patient with corneal endothelial dystrophy who underwent posterior lamellar keratoplasty. During follow-up of 4 years, we did not detect any signs of corneal allograft rejection. Conclusions: Our report indicates that an intact spleen is not necessary for allograft acceptance after posterior lamellar keratoplasty. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a splenectomized patient receiving a (lamellar) corneal transplant.