ENDURAGen graft durability in α-Gal disease

Purpose: We present a case of eyelid reconstruction using ENDURAGen, a porcine-derived acellular collagen graft, complicated by dissolution of the graft in a patient recently diagnosed with α-Gal disease.

Observations: A 33-year-old female status post enucleation of the left eye at age 7 struggling with malposition of her prosthesis due to lower lid retraction and laxity underwent eyelid reconstruction with ENDURAGen. She did well post-operatively for 9 months, but then began having issues with prosthesis dislodgement and rotation. Around that time, the patient was diagnosed with α-Gal disease. Repeat eyelid reconstruction was performed, this time with an ear cartilage graft, and dissolution of the original ENDURAGen graft was confirmed.

Conclusions and importance: This case highlights the need for evaluation of the durability of ENDURAGen in patients with α-Gal and for caution in choosing porcine or bovine-derived implants for tissue reconstruction in this population.