Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia. A possible marker for human immunodeficiency virus infection?
C. L. Karp, I. U. Scott, T. S. Chang and S. C. Pflugfelder
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33136, USA.
BACKGROUND: Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia has traditionally been
found at the limbus in elderly individuals. Recently, this ocular tumor has
been observed in younger patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential
association of human immunodeficiency virus infection with the emergence of
this atypical presentation of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Records of patients at the Bascom Palmer
Eye Institute (Miami, Fla) in whom conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia
was diagnosed between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1993, were
reviewed. Attempts were made to contact those patients younger than 50
years for clinical evaluation and human immunodeficiency virus serologic
testing. RESULTS: Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia was diagnosed in
73 patients during the study period. Of the nine patients younger than 50
years, six were available for serologic testing. Three (50%) of these
individuals were found to be positive for human immunodeficiency virus.
CONCLUSION: Human immunodeficiency virus testing and counseling should be
considered in patients younger than 50 years in whom conjunctival
intraepithelial neoplasia is diagnosed.
