The Role of Trace Elements in the Formation of Feline Corneal Sequestra.

Iron and bromine are uniquely present in feline corneal sequestra, suggesting a distinct biochemical pathophysiology involving oxidative or pigment-related mechanisms.

This study investigates the trace element composition of feline corneal sequestra (FCS) using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis, comparing sequestral tissue from 11 eyes of 9 cats with normal corneal tissue from 4 control cats. The affected population was predominantly brachycephalic or predisposed breeds (Sphynx, Persian, and British Shorthair), consistent with known breed predispositions for FCS. Lesions ranged from 1–8 mm in diameter and involved 20–70% stromal depth. Across all samples, sulfur had the highest elemental signal, followed by phosphorus, potassium, chloride, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and bromine. Critically, iron and bromine were consistently detected in sequestral tissue but were entirely absent in normal corneas, with statistically significant differences (iron: p = 0.047; bromine: p = 0.004). No significant differences were found in sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, or zinc between groups. The presence of iron in FCS may contribute to the characteristic brown-black discoloration and could implicate oxidative stress or hemoglobin-derived pigment deposition in pathogenesis. Bromine detection, while less understood, may reflect altered corneal metabolism or inflammatory mediator activity. This novel biochemical characterization of FCS advances understanding of disease pathophysiology and may inform future therapeutic strategies targeting iron chelation or oxidative pathways. Limitations include small sample size and the cross-sectional nature of the study.

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