In Wilson disease (hepatolenticular degeneration), copper accumulates due to defective ATP7B protein. Kayser-Fleischer rings in the cornea represent copper deposition in:

• A Bowman membrane at the anterior corneal stroma
• B Descemet membrane of the peripheral cornea ✓
• C Posterior corneal endothelium
• D Corneal epithelium and limbal stem cells

Explanation

Kayser-Fleischer rings represent copper deposition in Descemet membrane, the innermost layer of the corneal stroma produced by corneal endothelial cells, at the peripheral corneal margin (limbus). They appear as golden-brown rings visible at the limbus, first in the 6 and 12 o'clock positions (superior and inferior poles) before becoming circumferential. They are best seen by slit-lamp examination. Descemet membrane involvement (not Bowman membrane or epithelium) is the histopathological basis.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.