Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid Activation After COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid, also known as ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), primarily affects the conjunctiva and in lesser frequency oral, nasal, and esophageal mucosae. The clinical course of OCP is characterized by slow progression from chronic conjunctivitis to subepithelial fibrosis, fornix foreshortining, symblepharon, and ankyloblepharon formation with ocular surface keratinization. The disease typically lasts for several years and can ultimately lead to blindness without treatment. [1][2][3][4][5] It has been reported that coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection stimulated the immune system and caused the activation of autoimmune diseases. 6 We aimed to present a patient who had reactivation of OCP in the right eye and new diagnosis of OCP in the left eye, after COVID-19 infection. We would like to emphasize that the immune response caused by COVID-19 can activate OCP, an autoimmune disease.Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of his case details and for images. CASE REPORTA 58-year-old male patient applied to our clinic with the complaint of burning, watering, stinging, redness and pain in both eyes following COVID-19 infection 3 weeks ago.