[Apropos of a case of bilateral perforating corneal ulcer in a patient with Portugese amyloidosis].

Purpose: Corneal ulcer is a very rare clinical manifestation in hereditary familial amyloidosis of the Portuguese type, from which only one case has been reported previously. The case of a 35-year-old man illustrates the diagnostic findings and the difficulties encountered in understanding the physiopathology of such a complication.

Patient: The patient was referred by his general practician because of bilateral visual impairment since few days. Examination disclosed bilateral central perforating corneal ulceration. Corneal sensitivity was normal in both eyes, BUT (break-up time) was 2 sec. and Schirmer II test abolished.

Results/conclusion: Corneal ulceration is an unusual complication consecutive to a massive dry eye syndrome.