advertisement
Abstract #6718 Published in IGR 4-1
In vivo confocal microscopy in primary congenital glaucoma with megalocornea
Mastropasqua L; Carpineto P; Ciancaglini M; Nubile M; Doronzo EJournal of Glaucoma 2002; 11: 83-89
PURPOSE: To report the microscopic findings of congenital glaucoma-related megalocornea using in vivo confocal microscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two consecutive adult patients presenting with the typical features of glaucomatous megalocornea underwent a complete ophthalmological examination. The first patient presented with progressive glaucoma with bilateral megalocornea. The second patient's left eye was affected by megalocornea without actual evidence of glaucoma, whereas the right eye was healthy. Both patients were examined using a new-generation scanning slit corneal confocal microscope. RESULTS: In both patients, confocal microscopy revealed a mild reduction of keratocyte density in the mid and rear stroma, a particular abnormal 'clew-shaped' morphology of stromal nerves, and the presence of discontinuous hyperreflective structures overhanging the endothelial layer at the level of Descemet's membrane. The endothelium showed severe polymegethism, pleomorphism, and a markedly decreased cell density, and focal cellular lesions were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Confocal microscopy is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate microscopic aspects of Haab striae and endothelial morphological changes in glaucomatous megalocornea. Unsuspected alterations, such as nerves abnormalities and focal endothelial traction by scar tissue, were observed.
Dr. L. Mastropasqua, Institute of Ophthalmology and Legal Medicine, University G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
Classification:
6.20 Progression (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods)
9.1.1 Congenital glaucoma, Buphthalmos (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.1 Developmental glaucomas)
