Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis: Difference between revisions

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**Transmitted via contact with infectious fluids (commonly tear fluid) on hands, tissues, etc<ref name="Meyer" />
**Transmitted via contact with infectious fluids (commonly tear fluid) on hands, tissues, etc<ref name="Meyer" />


[[File:EKC.png|thumb|Subepithelial infiltrates in EKC]]
{{Conjunctivitis DDX}}


==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==
[[File:EKC.png|thumb|Subepithelial infiltrates in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis]]
*Ranges from subclinical conjunctivitis to severe disease with superimposed bacterial infection and systemic symptoms.<ref name="Meyer" />
*Ranges from subclinical conjunctivitis to severe disease with superimposed bacterial infection and systemic symptoms.<ref name="Meyer" />
*Can be preceded by prodrome of [[cough]], [[fever]], malaise, [[myalgia]]s, [[nausea/vomiting]]
*Can be preceded by prodrome of [[cough]], [[fever]], malaise, [[myalgia]]s, [[nausea/vomiting]]
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==Differential Diagnosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
{{Conjunctivitis DDX}}
{{Unilateral red eye DDX}}
{{Bilateral Red Eyes}}


==Evaluation==
==Evaluation==

Latest revision as of 17:13, 4 February 2026

Background

  • Form of viral conjunctivitis that causes keratitis in addition to conjunctivitis
  • Caused by adenovirus infection that is highly contagious and tends to occur in epidemics
    • Highly contagious and potentially vision-threatening[1]
    • Transmitted via contact with infectious fluids (commonly tear fluid) on hands, tissues, etc[1]

Conjunctivitis Types

Clinical Features

Subepithelial infiltrates in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis
  • Ranges from subclinical conjunctivitis to severe disease with superimposed bacterial infection and systemic symptoms.[1]
  • Can be preceded by prodrome of cough, fever, malaise, myalgias, nausea/vomiting
  • Worsening foreign body sensation (starts near medial canthus and spreads laterally), followed by[1]:
    • Lid swelling
    • Tearing
    • Itching
    • Photophobia
    • Blurred vision
    • Conjunctival injection
    • Papillae of inf palpebral conjunctiva
    • Ipsilateral pre-auricular lymphadenopathy
  • Slit lamp exam - diffuse, superficial keratitis but no corneal ulceration
    • Subepithelial infiltrates likely secondary to adenoviral antigens deposited in corneal stroma[2]
    • These lesions usually regress within 3-6 weeks, but can last for months (and cause vision impairment if within the visual field)[1]

Differential Diagnosis

Unilateral red eye

^Emergent diagnoses
^^Critical diagnoses


Bilateral red eyes

Evaluation

  • Clinical diagnosis

Management

  • Artificial tears
  • Cool compresses
  • Cycloplegics if photophobia is severe
  • Rigorous hand hygiene to prevent transmission

Disposition

  • Discharge with rapid ophtho follow-up.

See Also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Meyer-Rüsenberg B, Loderstädt U, Richard G, Kaulfers P-M, Gesser C. Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis: The Current Situation and Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International. 2011;108(27):475-480. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2011.0475.
  2. Park SJ, Jang YS, Koh TH, Kwon YA, Song SW. Development of EKC after Eximer Laser Photorefractive Surgery and Subsequent Recurrence of EKC-like Keratitis. Korean Journal of Ophthalmology : KJO. 2011;25(6):443-446. doi:10.3341/kjo.2011.25.6.443.