Actinic granuloma of the conjunctiva
A. P. Ferry, S. A. Kaltreider and D. B. Wyatt
The key histologic feature of pingueculas is the presence of actinic
elastosis of the conjunctival connective-tissue fibers. We describe a
patient who had a pinguecula that, on pathologic examination, exhibited a
prominent foreign-body giant-cell reaction in association with the
elastotic fibers. The term actinic granuloma has been coined recently to
designate a similar reaction in sun-damaged skin. Because the nature of the
inflammatory reaction may be misinterpreted on pathologic examination as
indicating the presence of microorganisms or a foreign body, both the
clinician and the pathologist should be aware of this peculiar inflammatory
response, which has been described on two previous occasions in patients
with pingueculas.
