Successful pediatric DMEK facilitated by intracameral tissue plasminogen activator to mitigate anterior chamber fibrin reaction

PURPOSE: To report a case of a successful Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) facilitated by the use of intracameral tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in a 4-year old with posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD). OBSERVATIONS: A 4-year old male was referred for bilateral corneal haze and blurry vision. Patient's exam and genetic testing were consistent with a diagnosis of PPCD. Patient was successfully treated with DMEK augmented by the use of intracameral tPA intraoperatively to combat the anterior chamber fibrin formation that can occur in DMEK. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this case represents the youngest reported successful DMEK procedure and the first case describing the use of intracameral tPA intraoperatively to attenuate the anterior chamber fibrin formation that can occur in DMEK.