Neurotrophic keratopathy due to dorsolateral medullary infarction (Wallenberg Syndrome): case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Dorsolateral medullary infarction (Wallenberg syndrome) is rare in clinical practice; however, the subsequent corneal lesions are more uncommon. To our knowledge, only one such case was previously reported. We report a similar case with successful treatment and recovery, and analyse both cases to address the clinical features and outcomes of such syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION A 43-year-old male presented with neurotrophic keratopathy one month after sustaining dorsolateral medullary infarction. The patient underwent amniotic membrane transplantation twice. Two-year follow-up observation revealed changes in nerve fibers and epithelial cells of corneal by laser confocal microscopy. CONCLUSION By studying both cases, we confirm that neurotrophic keratopathy could be as a delayed-onset complication of Wallenberg syndrome. The recognition that neurotrophic keratopathy can follow dorsolateral medullary infarction could prevent the clinical misdiagnosis.