Aspectos qualitativos das rupturas e afinamentos da membrana de Descemet no exame histopatológico / Qualitative aspects of ruptures and thinnings of Descemet's membrane in histopathological examination

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever os diferentes tipos de rupturas e afinamentos da membrana de Descemet encontrados no exame histopatológico, questionando uma possível relação entre eles. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo e descritivo de botões corneanos provenientes de ceratoplastia penetrante, durante o período escolhido de forma aleatória de quatro anos: 2006, 2010, 2014 e 2015. A coloração foi realizada com Hematoxilina-eosina (HE). Após o preparo, os tecidos foram examinados com microscópio óptico pelos autores. Selecionamos apenas os casos de rupturas ou afinamento da membrana de Descemet no exame histopatológico, e classificamos os diferentes tipos desses achados. Resultados: As rupturas encontradas foram classificadas em total ou comum, parcial, fratura e bisel. Os afinamentos foram divididos em generalizado, localizado e extensivo. Conclusão: Apresentamos várias nuances das rupturas e dos afinamentos da membrana de Descemet no exame histopatológico. Os achados sugerem, considerando apenas aspectos mecânicos, uma possível relação entre afinamento e ruptura como causa e efeito.

Abstract Objective: To describe the different types of ruptures and thinning of Descemet's membrane found in the histopathological examination, questioning a possible relationship between them. Methods: Observational, transversal, retrospective and descriptive study of corneal buttons from penetrating keratoplasty during the randomly chosen period of four years: 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2015. The staining was performed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). After preparation, the authors examined the tissues with an optical microscope. We selected only the cases of rupture or thinning of Descemet's membrane in histopathological examination and classified the different types of these findings. Results: The ruptures found were classified as total or common, partial, fracture and bevel. The thinnings were divided into generalized, localized and extensive. Conclusion: We presented several nuances of Descemet's membrane ruptures and thinning in histopathological examination. Considering only mechanical aspects, the findings suggest a possible relationship between thinning and rupture as cause and effect.

In vivo confocal microstructural analysis of corneas presenting Kayser-Fleischer rings in patients with Wilson's disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate microstructural differences between corneas with and without Kayser-Fleischer rings in age-matched subjects with Wilson's disease with neurological symptoms, using confocal laser scanning microscopy. METHODS: The study included 12 subjects with Wilson's disease with neurological symptoms. Twelve corneas presented clinically with classic Kayser-Fleischer rings, visible on slit lamp examination; the other 12 served as controls. The subjects underwent a comprehensive clinical examination. Microstructural analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy evaluated increased corneal thickness, decreased number of cells, increased debris or specific deposits, and unusual microstructures. RESULTS: Clinically, the subjects with Kayser-Fleischer rings had similar corneal findings and normal intraocular pressure; two had typical sunflower cataracts and decreased visual acuity. The control eyes all presented normal visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and corneal appearance. The microstructural analysis demonstrated similar findings in all the affected corneas. Compared with the control corneas, there were fewer keratocytes in the anterior stroma (17.380 vs. 22.380/mm3). Round, "hollow" dark areas were observed between the keratocytes; these were universal and similar in appearance in all affected corneas and all cornea layers. In the peripheral posterior stroma, there were dust-like, bright, granular deposits that tended to increase in number and density toward Descemet's membrane, masking the peripheral endothelium. The control corneas presented a normal microstructure apart from dust-like granular deposits in the periphery. CONCLUSIONS: In vivo confocal microscopy is a useful tool for evaluating the corneal microstructure when a Kayser-Fleischer ring is clinically present. The ring consists of granular, bright particles that increase in density toward Descemet's membrane, and is associated with a decreased number of keratocytes and peculiar dark, round areas in all stromal layers, probably a sign of corneal damage. When the ring is not visible in subjects with Wilson's disease, changes to the corneal microstructure are insignificant.

In vivo confocal microstructural analysis of corneas presenting Kayser-Fleischer rings in patients with Wilson's disease / Análise microestrutural confocal in vivo de córneas apresentando anel de Kayser-Fleischer em pacientes com doença de Wilson

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate microstructural differences between corneas with and without Kayser-Fleischer rings in age-matched subjects with Wilson's disease with neurological symptoms, using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Methods: The study included 12 subjects with Wilson's disease with neurological symptoms. Twelve corneas presented clinically with classic Kayser-Fleischer rings, visible on slit lamp examination; the other 12 served as controls. The subjects underwent a comprehensive clinical examination. Microstructural analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy evaluated increased corneal thickness, decreased number of cells, increased debris or specific deposits, and unusual microstructures. Results: Clinically, the subjects with Kayser-Fleischer rings had similar corneal findings and normal intraocular pressure; two had typical sunflower cataracts and decreased visual acuity. The control eyes all presented normal visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and corneal appearance. The microstructural analysis demonstrated similar findings in all the affected corneas. Compared with the control corneas, there were fewer keratocytes in the anterior stroma (17.380 vs. 22.380/mm3). Round, "hollow" dark areas were observed between the keratocytes; these were universal and similar in appearance in all affected corneas and all cornea layers. In the peripheral posterior stroma, there were dust-like, bright, granular deposits that tended to increase in number and density toward Descemet's membrane, masking the peripheral endothelium. The control corneas presented a normal microstructure apart from dust-like granular deposits in the periphery. Conclusions: In vivo confocal microscopy is a useful tool for evaluating the corneal microstructure when a Kayser-Fleischer ring is clinically present. The ring consists of granular, bright particles that increase in density toward Descemet's membrane, and is associated with a decreased number of keratocytes and peculiar dark, round areas in all stromal layers, probably a sign of corneal damage. When the ring is not visible in subjects with Wilson's disease, changes to the corneal microstructure are insignificant.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar, ao nível microestrutural, através de microscopia confocal in vivo a lazer, 12 córneas com anel de Kayser-Fleischer visível ao exame da lâmpada de fenda e compará-las com 12 córneas clinicamente normais de indivíduos com idades correspondentes aos pacientes com doença de Wilson e sintomas neurológicos. Métodos: O estudo incluiu 12 indivíduos com doença de Wilson e sintomas neurológicos (24 córneas). Doze córneas apresentavam clinicamente o anel clássico de Kayser-Fleischer e as outras 12 serviram como controle. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um exame clínico abrangente e a uma análise microestrutural subsequente utilizando microscopia confocal in vivo de varredura a laser. Os principais resultados observados foram: aumento da espessura da córnea, diminuição do número de células, aumento de resíduos/depósitos específicos e microestrutura atípica. Resultados: Clinicamente, todos os indivíduos com anel de Kayser-Fleischer (12 olhos) apresentaram achados similares da córnea e pressão intraocular normal. Dois indivíduos também apresentaram uma catarata de girassol típica e diminuição da acuidade visual. Todos os olhos do grupo controle apresentaram acuidade visual, pressão intraocular e aparência corneana normais. A microscopia confocal in vivo com varredura a laser revelou achados semelhantes em todas as córneas afetadas. O número de ceratócitos no estroma anterior era menor, 17.380/mm3 (22.380/mm3 no grupo controle), e entre eles foram identificadas áreas escuras arredondadas "vazias". Essas zonas escuras eram generalizadas e similares em todas as córneas examinadas e em todas as camadas da córnea. No estroma posterior periférico, havia presença de depósitos granulares brilhantes e com aparência de pó que tendiam a aumentar em número e densidade no sentido da membrana de Descemet, mascarando o endotélio periférico. As córneas controle apresentaram estrutura normal, com exceção de depósitos granulares com aparência de pó na periferia. Conclusões: A microscopia confocal in vivo é uma ferramenta útil para a avaliação da microestrutura da córnea quando o anel de Kayser-Fleischer está clinicamente presente. O anel é constituído de partículas granulares brilhantes com densidade aumentada no sentido da membrana de Descemet. Sua presença está associada com uma diminuição do número de ceratócitos e com áreas circulares escuras "peculiares" em todas as camadas estromais, que representam, provavelmente, um sinal de dano da córnea. Quando o anel não está clinicamente visível, a estrutura da córnea in vivo encontra-se insignificantemente alterada.

Persistence of granular corneal dystrophy type-1 deposits in the predescemetic layer after big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

We report intraoperative finding of Granular Corneal Dystrophy Type-1 (GCD1) deposits after stromal pneumodissection in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in a 61-year-old female. Pneumodissection was performed from the center to the periphery of the cornea, characterizing a big bubble type 1 technique which dissects the deep stroma from the predescemetic layer. After stromal removal, persistence of whitish deposits inside the predescemetic layer was noted. During post-operative evaluation, anterior biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed granular opacities between the patient's Descemet's membrane and the donor cornea, suggesting possible involvement of the predescemetic layer in GCD1. This may require the surgeon's attention to choose between DALK keratoplasty or penetrating keratoplasty.

Persistence of granular corneal dystrophy type-1 deposits in the predescemetic layer after big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty / Persistência de depósitos da distrofia corneal granular tipo-1 na camada pre-Descemet após transplante lamelar anterior profundo

ABSTRACT We report intraoperative finding of Granular Corneal Dystrophy Type-1 (GCD1) deposits after stromal pneumodissection in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in a 61-year-old female. Pneumodissection was performed from the center to the periphery of the cornea, characterizing a big bubble type 1 technique which dissects the deep stroma from the predescemetic layer. After stromal removal, persistence of whitish deposits inside the predescemetic layer was noted. During post-operative evaluation, anterior biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed granular opacities between the patient's Descemet's membrane and the donor cornea, suggesting possible involvement of the predescemetic layer in GCD1. This may require the surgeon's attention to choose between DALK keratoplasty or penetrating keratoplasty.

RESUMO Relatamos o achado intraoperatório de persistência dos depósitos de Distrofia Granular Tipo 1 (GCD1) após pneumodissecção estromal no transplante de córnea lamelar anterior profundo (DALK) em uma mulher de 61 anos. A pneumodissecção começou a partir do centro para a periferia da córnea, caracterizando uma big bubble tipo 1, que disseca o estroma profundo da camada pré-Descemet. Após a remoção do estroma, notamos a persistência de depósitos esbranquiçados no interior da camada pré-Descemet. Na avaliação pós-operatória, a biomicroscopia anterior e a tomografia de coerência óptica do segmento anterior evidenciaram opacidades granulares entre a membrana de Descemet e a córnea doadora, sugerindo o possível envolvimento da camada pré-Descemet na GCD1, o que pode chamar atenção do cirurgião para decidir entre manter o DALK ou converter para transplante penetrante.

Epidemiologia de ceratites fúngicas tratadas com ceratoplastia penetrante através de achados histopatológicos / Epidemiology of fungal keratitis treated with penetrating keratoplasty by means of histopathologic findings

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudar, através do exame histopatológico, a epidemiologia de ceratites fúngicas tratadas com ceratoplastia penetrante terapêutica, enfatizando a presença de cirurgia ocular prévia. Métodos: Inicialmente, o estudo foi observacional e transversal de botões corneanos provenientes de ceratoplastia penetrante no período de 2006-2015 enviados para exame histopatológico ao banco de olhos do Hospital Geral de Fortaleza. Os tecidos foram corados com Hematoxilina-eosina, PAS ou Grocott, e examinados com microscópio óptico. Foram selecionados casos com diagnóstico histopatológico de ceratite fúngica. Após a selecão, realizamos revisão de prontuários buscando idade e sexo do paciente, data(s) do(s) transplante(s) por ceratite fúngica, diagnóstico clínico précirúrgico, presença/tipo de cirurgias anteriores e/ou posteriores. Incluímos 62 botões corneanos de 55 pacientes. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino. Apenas 7 (11,29%) casos tiveram recidiva da infecção tratada cirurgicamente. 10 (16,13%) casos possuíam cirurgia ocular prévia a ceratite fúngica tratada por transplante. Nenhum caso teve ceratite fúngica como diagnóstico clínico pré-cirúrgico. A principal forma de fungo no exame histopatológico foi forma leveduriforme isolada, seguida pela leveduriforme associada à filamentosa. O aspecto predominante da membrana de Descemet foi livre de fungos. Conclusão: Demonstramos o potencial curativo das ceratites fúngicas quando tratadas com ceratoplastia penetrante terapêutica e uma possível associação do fator cirurgia ocular prévia ao desenvolvimento dessas infecções. Características do exame histopatológico foram abordadas diferente de outros estudos que, em sua maioria, citam apenas o exame microbiológico. A dificuldade no diagnóstico clínico précirúrgico foi ressaltada, o que pode ter contribuído com a evolução dos casos estudados para tratamento cirúrgico.

ABSTRACT Objective: To study, by means of histopathological examination, the epidemiology of fungal keratitis treated with penetrating keratoplasty therapy, emphasizing the presence of previous ocular surgery. Methods: Initially, we made an observational and cross-sectional study of corneal buttons from penetrating keratoplasty in the 2006-2015 period sent for histopathological examination at the Hospital Geral de Fortaleza Eye Bank.Tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, PAS or Grocott, and examined with an optical microscope. We selected the cases with histopathological diagnosis of fungal keratitis. After the selection, we carried out a review of records seeking for age and sex of patients, date(s) of the graft(s) made to treat fungal keratitis, preoperative clinical diagnosis, presence/type of earlier and/or subsequent surgeries.We included 62 corneal buttons from 55 patients. Results: Most patients were male. Only 7 (11.29%) cases had recurrence of the surgically treated infection. 10 (16.13%) cases had eye surgery prior to fungal keratitis treated by transplant. No cases had fungal keratitis as preoperative clinical diagnosis.The main form of fungus in histopathological examination was isolated yeast form, followed by the yeast form associated with the filamentous form.The predominant aspect of Descemet's membrane was free of fungus. Conclusion: We demonstrated the healing potential of fungal keratitis when treated with penetrating therapeutic keratoplasty and the possible association of previous eye surgery factor for the development of these infections. Characteristics of histopathological examination have been approached differently from other studies that mostly specify only the microbiological examination. The difficulty in preoperative clinical diagnosis was highlighted, which may have contributed to the evolution of the cases studied for surgical treatment.

Descemet Membrane Detachment in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To report a case series of 4 patients with Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) after undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery incisions. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: DMD was noted at the secondary incision (n = 2) or at the main incision (n = 2). All the secondary incision and 1 main incision DMD were resolved with intraoperative maneuvers. Delay in recognizing DMD intraoperatively at the principal incision in 1 case led to inadvertent aspiration of a part of it and persistent postoperative corneal edema. This complication was handled with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty 1 month after initial surgery. CONCLUSIONS: DMD can occur after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, although it is a rare complication as it is in traditional phacoemulsification. The surgeon must be prepared to recognize it, manage it intraoperatively, and treat it postoperatively to reduce the risk of permanent damage to the eye.

[Posterior polymorphous dystrophy, case report and literature review]. / Distrofia polimorfa posterior, presentación de un caso y análisis de la literatura.

CASE REPORT: Posterior Polymorphous Dystrophy (DPP) is a rare posterior corneal dystrophy that is genetically transmitted as autosomal dominant. Corneal structures affected in this dystrophy are Descemet membrane and the endothelium. A case is presented on a 47 years old woman with no relevant history, with typical findings of DPP (vesicular and band lesions at the endothelium and posterior Descemet). DISCUSSION: To our knowledge there are no reported cases of DPP in Latin-American patients in the literature. The clinical manifestations in our patient were found to be very similar to the cases reported in other populations.

O papel da membrana de Descemet na patogenia do edema corneano após cirurgia de segmento anterior / The role of Descemet's membrane in the pathogeny of corneal edema following anterior segment surgery

Objetivo: Encontrar fatores importantes na patogenia do edema corneano pós-cirúrgico, em casos de pós-facectomia e pósceratoplastia, por meio do estudo dos achados histopatológicos, a fim de ver o que pode ser feito para evitar sucessivas ceratoplastias. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo descritivo das alterações histopatológicas de casos de edema corneano pós-cirúrgicos. Os tecidos foram provenientes de ceratoplastia penetrante no período compreendido entre setembro de 2009 e agosto de 2013. Foi realizada revisão de prontuários em busca principalmente de informações sobre cirurgias prévias. Resultados: Foram incluídos 70 botões corneanos, sendo 34 de pacientes do sexo masculino e 36 do sexo feminino. A média das idades foi de 63,1±17,20 (média ± DP) anos. A maioria dos casos era de falência após transplante (71,43%). A rarefação celular foi a principal alteração encontrada no endotélio (58 casos), sendo também a alteração histopatológica mais frequente. Na membrana de Descemet, predominaram as alterações de integridade (53 casos), seja na forma de ruptura, de descolamento isolado ou de descolamento associado à ruptura. Foi frequente a associação de alterações endoteliais à ausência da integridade da membrana de Descemet. Conclusão: Descolamento da membrana de Descemet é um achado histopatológico frequente nos casos de edema corneano pós-cirúrgicos estudados, devendo ser considerado um fator importante na patogenia dos mesmos. Essa alteração deve ser procurada com atenção nos pós-operatórios, a fim de ser diagnosticada e tratada precocemente, vindo possivelmente a evitar muitas indicações de ceratoplastia. .

Objective: To find relevant factors in the pathogeny of postoperative corneal edema in post-cataract surgery and post-keratoplasty cases, through the study of histopathological findings in order to see what can be done to avoid successive keratoplasties. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of histopathological findings in postoperative corneal edema cases. Tissues were obtained from penetrating keratoplasty in the period between september 2009 and august 2013. A medical record review was conducted primarily looking for information about previous surgeries. Results: Seventy corneal buttons were included, out of which 34 were from male patients and 36 were from female patients. The mean age was 63.1±17.20 (mean ± SD) years. Most of cases were corneal failure after keratoplasty (71.43%). The main change found in endothelium was cellular rarefaction (58 cases), and it was also the most common histopathological change. Changes in integrity predominated in Descemet's membrane (53 cases), whether in the form of rupture, isolated detachment or detachment associated with rupture. Endothelial changes associated with the absence in Descemet's membrane integrity were frequent. Conclusion: Descemet's membrane detachment is a frequent histopathological finding in postoperative corneal edema cases studied, thus it should be considered an important factor in the pathogeny of such cases. This change should be carefully researched in the postoperative period in order to be diagnosed and treated early, possibly avoiding many keratoplasty indications. .

Retained host Descemet membrane (Auto-DMET) during conversion of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty to penetrating keratoplasty: a case report.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to relate a case of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) converted to penetrating keratoplasty in which the host central Descemet membrane (DM) with a large perforation was left attached to the host cornea. METHODS: This is a case report of a 34-year-old man who underwent an attempted DALK for keratoconus in his left eye, which became complicated with a large rupture in DM during dissection. The host DM was left in place, the donor cornea with DM intact was sutured onto the host bed, and air was injected into the anterior chamber. The patient was monitored by biomicroscopy, pachymetry, topography, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and specular microscopy. RESULTS: The postoperative course resulted in improved uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, and topography. Corneal edema was observed in the host cornea peripheral to the graft. Three months after the surgery, the endothelial cell density was reduced by 63% compared with the preoperative donor cell density. CONCLUSIONS: Leaving the host DM during conversion of DALK to penetrating keratoplasty was uneventful in this case, although corneal edema was observed in the area overlying the host cornea. It is possible that the retained DM could provide additional autologous endothelial cells to prolong graft survival.

Delayed Descemet's membrane detachment after successful cataract surgery: a case report / Descolamento tardio da membrana de Descemet após cirurgia de catarata sem intercorrências: relato de caso

The detachment of Descemet's membrane can be a serious complication following cataract surgery, leading to severe corneal edema and reduced visual acuity. This report describes an unusual case of Descemet's membrane detachment 6 months after successful phacoemulsification, documented by anterior segment optic coherence tomography (OCT; RTVue, Optovue). The eye was treated successfully with pneumatic descemetopexy and transcorneal suturing, with reattachment of Descemet's membrane. This report should alert physicians that delayed corneal edema can be related to late-onset Descemet's membrane detachment, which requires proper treatment to avoid permanent corneal decompensation.

O descolamento da membrana de Descemet pode ser uma complicação grave após a cirurgia de catarata, resultando em edema de córnea e redução da acuidade visual. Este relato descreve um caso raro de descolamento da membrana de Descemet seis meses após cirurgia de catarata com facoemulsificação sem intercorrências, documentado com tomografia de coerência óptica do segmento anterior (OCT; RTVue, Optovue). Foram realizadas descemetopexia pneumática e sutura corneana, com resolução do descolamento e recuperação visual. Este relato procura alertar os médicos que o edema de córnea tardio pode estar relacionado ao descolamento tardio da membrana de Descemet, que exige tratamento adequado para evitar descompensação corneana permanente.

Pupila dilatada fixa (síndrome de Urrets-Zavalia) após ceratoplastia lamelar profunda / Fixed dilated pupil (Urrets-Zavalia syndrome) after deep lamellar keratoplasty

A Síndrome de Urrets-Zavalia apresenta achados oculares bem descritos, porém sua fisiopatologia ainda é incerta. A isquemia iriana é o mecanismo proposto mais comum. Descrevemos dois casos submetidos à ceratoplastia lamelar profunda (CLP) realizadas pelo mesmo cirugião que desenvolveram a síndrome. No primeiro caso, a indicação cirúrgica foi para o tratamento de opacidade corneana e, no segundo, para o de ceratocone. No pós-operatório, ambos os pacientes evoluíram com pupila dilatada fixa que não regrediu totalmente apesar do tratamento administrado.

The Urrets-Zavalia Syndrome presents well described ocular findings, even though its physiopathology is still unsure. Iris ischemia is the most common proposing mechanism. We describe two cases that underwent deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLK) performed by the same surgeon and developed the syndrome. In the first case, the surgical indication was for corneal opacity treatment and, in the second case, for keratoconus treatment. During the post-operatory, both patients developed fixed dilated pupil, which didn't regress completely inspite of the onset treatment.

[Ultrasound biomicroscopy in deep sclerectomy: case report]. / Biomicroscopia ultra-sônica em esclerectomia profunda: relato de caso.

Case report of a woman with the diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma who was submitted to a successful surgical procedure of deep sclerectomy in the right eye. In the postoperative period, at month 3, the surgical procedure was evaluated with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) utilizing two distinct equipments (UBM 840-Zeiss; UBM-VUMAX-Sonomed), with 50-MHz transducers. The diagnostic method of ultrasound biomicroscopy can be utilized as a non invasive method to evaluate the internal architecture of the eye at the topography of deep sclerectomy. It allows to identify the anterior segment structures, their anatomical relationship, and also the intact trabecular-Descemet membrane and the intrascleral space. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed to be useful in evaluating postoperative status of the surgical procedure.

Biomicroscopia ultra-sônica em esclerectomia profunda: relato de caso / Ultrasound biomicroscopy in deep sclerectomy: case report

Relato do caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto, que foi submetida a esclerectomia profunda em olho direito, com sucesso. No pós-operatório de 3 meses, o procedimento cirúrgico foi avaliado com biomicroscopia ultra-sônica (UBM) utilizando-se dois equipamentos distintos (UBM 840-Zeiss; UBM-VUMAX-Sonomed) com transdutores de 50 MHz. O método diagnóstico com biomicroscopia ultra-sônica pode ser usado como método não invasivo para avaliar a arquitetura interna ocular na topografia da esclerectomia profunda. Permite identificar as estruturas do segmento anterior, sua relação anatômica, bem como a membrana trabéculo-Descemet íntegra e o espaço intra-escleral. Biomicroscopia ultra-sônica demonstrou utilidade na avaliação pós-operatória do procedimento cirúrgico.

Case report of a woman with the diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma who was submitted to a successful surgical procedure of deep sclerectomy in the right eye. In the postoperative period, at month 3, the surgical procedure was evaluated with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) utilizing two distinct equipments (UBM 840-Zeiss; UBM-VUMAX-Sonomed), with 50-MHz transducers. The diagnostic method of ultrasound biomicroscopy can be utilized as a non invasive method to evaluate the internal architecture of the eye at the topography of deep sclerectomy. It allows to identify the anterior segment structures, their anatomical relationship, and also the intact trabecular-Descemet membrane and the intrascleral space. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed to be useful in evaluating postoperative status of the surgical procedure.

Concave trabeculo-Descemet's membrane as an early sign of viscocanalostomy failure.

PURPOSE: To correlate trabeculo-Descemet's membrane (TDM) changes with a late rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with successful viscocanalostomy. SETTING: Consultores Oftalmológicos, Hospital Oftalmológico Santa Lucía, and Centro de Estudios Médicos e Investigación, Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHODS: Patients who had a viscocanalostomy between July 1998 and September 2001 were retrospectively studied. Gonioscopy was performed in all patients. A subgroup of patients who had a late increase in IOP and were successfully treated with neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser goniopuncture were studied to correlate gonioscopic findings. Ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed in 10 cases. Intraocular pressure measurements were taken before viscocanalostomy and before and after Nd:YAG treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-eight eyes of 48 patients had a viscocanalostomy to control IOP. Twenty-six eyes had a late increase in IOP and were successfully treated with Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture. Before goniopuncture, 17 eyes (65.30%) had a concave TDM. The mean IOP in these patients increased from 14.27 mm Hg to 18.73 mm Hg (range 14 to 27 mm Hg). Goniopuncture was performed a mean of 10.7 months (range 1 to 36 months) after surgery. After Nd:YAG treatment, the TDM was flat in all patients who had a concave TDM before treatment. At the last examination, the mean IOP was 13.8 mm Hg, a mean decrease of 52.24% from the baseline preoperative IOP; 61.5% of eyes had a final IOP of 14.0 mm Hg or lower. CONCLUSIONS: A concave TDM was associated with a late IOP rise. The TDM was flat after laser goniopuncture and normalization of IOP.

Corneal topography of spontaneous perforation of acute hydrops in keratoconus.

An unusual case of spontaneous corneal perforation of acute hydrops in the left eye of a 21-year-old man is presented. The patient had a history of atopic diseases. To evaluate the status of the other eye, corneal topographic analysis was performed. This confirmed a subclinical keratoconus in the fellow eye and the association with atopy, eye rubbing, and rapid progression of the ectasia leading to perforation.