Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42520011›Full record

ArticleThe American journal of case reports2026

Keratoconjunctivitis Caused By Dieffenbachia Plant Sap: A Case Series.

Thao Nguyen Huong Vo, Vy Cao Nguyen, Chau Tran Doan

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in The American journal of case reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Thao Nguyen Huong VoCornea Department, Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Vy Cao NguyenOphthalmology Department, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Chau Tran DoanOphthalmology Department, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND Over 5000 plant species produce milky latex sap utilized in decoration and various industries. Sap exposure, however, can elicit toxic reactions, including acute keratoconjunctivitis and corneal stromal infiltration. The common ornamental plant Dieffenbachia can cause acute keratoconjunctivitis and the deposition of fine blue crystals within the corneal stroma. This report analyzes 3 cases of Dieffenbachia-induced keratitis and reviews existing literature on plant-induced keratitis. CASE REPORT Three patients presented with ocular irritation, pain, and redness following accidental exposure to Dieffenbachia sap. Clinical examination revealed chemosis and corneal edema in all cases. Slit-lamp microscopy identified fine, needle-like oxalate crystals located within the epithelial and stromal layers of the inferior cornea. The 3 patients received conservative management: ocular irrigation, topical antibiotics, and localized anti-inflammatory agents. The treatment protocol was altered, depending on the clinical ocular response. When symptoms gradual improved, anti-inflammatory medication was decreased by 1 to 2 doses after 1 to 2 weeks, throughout a treatment duration of 4 to 8 weeks. Complete resolution of crystal deposits in the cornea was observed after a 4- to 8-week follow-up period. All patients retained satisfactory visual acuity and exhibited no corneal opacities. CONCLUSIONS Patients with keratitis caused by Dieffenbachia sap typically achieve full recovery without complications, but the potential for crystal deposition in the cornea must be recognized. Safety measures, including protective eyewear, gloves, and long-sleeved clothing during plant maintenance are essential. Comprehensive knowledge of the pathogenesis and clinical trajectory of ocular Dieffenbachia exposure will enable ophthalmologists to optimize treatment strategies.

Indexed as

KeratoconjunctivitisAnti-Bacterial AgentsFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedVasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, CutaneousAnti-Bacterial Agents

Identifiers

PMID42520011
PMCPMC13428485

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.