It has long been known that the virus of trachoma can affect the cornea and limbus as well as the conjunctiva. During the active phase the superior limbus exhibits follicles composed of aggregations of lymphocytes surrounding a germinal center of reticuloendothelial cells. Regression of the follicles leads to depressed, round thinned areas known clinically as Herbert's pits. The present case exhibits the histopathology of Herbert's pits. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by Dr. Phillips Thygeson. The eyes were subsequently obtained at autopsy.
Report of Case
History.
—This 92-year-old white male had lived in the Middle East for over 20 years. He had experienced many bouts of congested, irritated eyes. Clinical examination revealed a bilateral limbal pannus more marked superiorly than inferiorly, Superiorly there were many round, pitted lesions (Fig 1). The patient died of pneumonia. The eyes were obtained at autopsy and submitted to the University of California Eye Pathology