Granular keratic precipitates are made of ?
**Core Concept**
Granular keratic precipitates (KPs) are a type of inflammatory cell deposit on the endothelial surface of the cornea, typically seen in uveitis. They are composed of inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, that have infiltrated the cornea.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Granular KPs are formed when immune cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, infiltrate the cornea in response to an inflammatory stimulus. These cells release various cytokines and chemokines, which attract more immune cells and lead to the formation of granular deposits on the corneal endothelium. The presence of granular KPs is often associated with uveitis, particularly intermediate uveitis or posterior uveitis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because granular KPs are not typically composed of neutrophils, which are more commonly associated with acute inflammatory reactions.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because epithelial cells are not a primary component of granular KPs, which are primarily composed of immune cells.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because fibrin is a component of fibrinoid KPs, not granular KPs.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In ophthalmology, the presence of granular KPs can be a key diagnostic feature of uveitis, particularly in cases where other signs of inflammation are subtle. It's essential to carefully examine the cornea and anterior chamber to identify these deposits, as they can provide valuable clues to the underlying cause of the uveitis.
**Correct Answer:** C.