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Abstract #74743 Published in IGR 19-1
Three-dimensional Laser Scanning Confocal Analysis of Conjunctival Microcysts in Glaucomatous Patients Before and After Trabeculectomy
Di Staso S; Agnifili L; DI Gregorio A; Climastone H; Galassi E; Fasanella V; Ciancaglini MIn vivo (Athens, Greece) 2017; 31: 1081-1088
BACKGROUND/AIM: In glaucoma, conjunctival epithelial microcysts (CEM) have been extensively investigated by means of laser scanning confocal microscopy. In the present case series, we examined eight glaucomatous patients undergoing trabeculectomy to obtain a 3-dimensional (3-D) characterization of CEM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Image acquisition was performed in z-scan automatic volume mode by Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III/Rostock Cornea Module and a series of 40 images of 300×300 μm (384×384 pixels) to a maximum depth of 40 μm were acquired throughout the upper bulbar conjunctiva before (at the site planned for surgery) and eight weeks after trabeculectomy. The 3-D volume tissue reconstruction with maximal size of 300×300×40 μm was obtained. RESULTS: In the enface view, CEM appeared as empty, optically clear, round or oval shaped sub-epithelial structures. The 3-D spatial reconstruction showed microcysts as oval-shaped and optically clear elements, which were close, but clearly separated from the epithelium. CEM were embedded in the extra-cellular spaces and located about 10 μm below the epithelial surface. After trabeculectomy, CEM increased density and area especially along the horizontal axis. CONCLUSION: The 3-D in vivo confocal reconstruction of CEM permits for better clarification of their microscopic anatomy and patho-physiological significance, confirming their involvement in AH flow through the bleb-wall after filtration surgery for glaucoma.
Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
Full articleClassification:
12.8.1 Without tube implant (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment > 12.8 Filtering surgery)
6.9.1.1 Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.9 Computerized image analysis > 6.9.1 Laser scanning)
2.1 Conjunctiva (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)