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Abstract #18418 Published in IGR 3-3
Anterior chamber angle anomalies associated with signs of pigment dispersion in a group of black probands and their first-degree relatives
Roberts DK; Flynn MF; Gable EMOptometry and Vision Science 2001; 78: 133-141
PURPOSE: To evaluate the presence of iridocorneal angle anomalies associated with signs of pigment dispersion among a group of black probands and their first-degree relatives. METHODS: Eleven blacks who exhibited pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) signs, including Krukenberg's spindles, moderate-to-heavy trabecular meshwork pigmentation, and peripheral lenticular/zonular pigmentation, received a complete eye examination that included gonioscopy. Overt iridocorneal angle abnormalities other than pigment deposition were photo-documented. Twenty-two first-degree relatives (six siblings, 15 children, and one parent) of these probands underwent similar examination. RESULTS: Among the subjects, five of 11 probands (age range, 13-59 years) and four of 22 relatives (age range, 14-51 years) exhibited definite angle anomalies. The nine subjects with angle anomalies belonged to seven of 11 separate families. The four relatives with angle anomalies did not have PDS according to the criteria, but two other relatives from two additional families did have signs consistent with clinical PDS. Types of angle anomalies included: (1) peripheral anterior synechia-like lesions; (2) a prominent concavity of the peripheral iris at the 6-o'clock meridian; (3) a whitish, thread-like band of tissue near the iris base; (4) a prominent, externally-visible Schwalbe's line at the 6-o'clock meridian; and (5) a prominent, web-like confluence of exaggerated iris processes 360° along the angle wall. Iris processes and prominent Schwalbe's lines were not considered abnormal or anomalous unless they were clearly atypical. CONCLUSIONS: Iridocorneal angle anomalies, other than pigment deposition, were common among our black group who exhibited signs of pigment dispersion as well as among their first-degree relatives. Further consideration should be given to the possibility that among some patient groups, overt goniodysgenesis could be part of a constellation of signs indicative of a pigment dispersion syndrome. Potentially, clinically detectable goniodysgenesis could prove to be a useful marker to identify certain subjects who carry PDS genetic traits but who have not expressed complete phenotypical disease.
Dr D.K. Roberts, Illinois Eye Institute, Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, IL 60616, USA. droberts@eyecare.ico.edu
Classification:
9.4.3.1 Pigmentary glaucoma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.4 Glaucomas associated with other ocular and systemic disorders > 9.4.3 Glaucomas associated with disorders of the iris and ciliary body)