Paediatric nevus comedonicus syndrome with band keratopathy and ipsilateral cataract

Abstract

Background: Band keratopathy is characterized by a horizontal band of grey opacification on the surface of the cornea. Nevus comedonicus is a rare epidermal nevus that has been reported with ipsilateral cataract and corneal changes.

Case report: A 14-year-old boy with  a history of skin dryness and scarring on his face presented with bilateral blurred vision with recurrent red eye. Greyish-white opacifications were observed in both corneas. After initially diagnosing the patient with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, we consulted a dermatologist and finally diagnosed the condition as related to nevus comedonicus syndrome. The patient underwent corneal chelation using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Following the procedure, visual acuity in the left eye improved from 0.05 to 0.125, while visual acuity in the right eye, which had lens opacification, remained hand movement.

Conclusion: Chemical chelation using EDTA in band keratopathy patients with nevus comedonicus syndrome is useful for enhancing corneal clarity.