Glaucomatocyclitic crisis and primary open-angle glaucoma

Analysis of risk factors associated with secondary open-angle glaucoma in Posner-Schlossman syndrome: A retrospective case-control study

Background

Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) is a relatively rare cause of chronic secondary open-angle glaucoma (OAG), but the exact cause is unknown. This study aimed to determine potential risk factors for OAG secondary to PSS and to provide a basis for early intervention in the development of PSS.

Methods

This was a retrospective case-control study. Nine cases diagnosed with PSS and seven cases diagnosed with OAG secondary to PSS were selected and their aqueous humor assays at the first occurrence of PSS were collected. Clinical characteristics including age, sex, disease duration, eye laterality, baseline visual acuity, maximum IOP, corneal endothelial cell density, visual field, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, cup-to-disk ratio, keratic precipitates, anterior chamber inflammation, and aqueous humor cytokine assay results were compared between the two groups.

Results

The cytomegalovirus (CMV) positivity was 55.60% in patients with PSS and 100% in patients with OAG secondary to PSS. Corneal endothelial cell density was lower in patients with CMV-positive PSS (p = 0.0116). Concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), interleukin (IL)-6, and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) in patients with PSS and IL-8, IL-6, and VCAM in patients with OAG secondary to PSS were higher than standard reference values; and IL-8 concentration was significantly higher in patients with OAG secondary to PSS (p = 0.0229). There were significant positive correlations between IL-8 and IL-6, IL-6 and VCAM (p = 0.0304, p = 0.0172) and a significant negative correlation between bFGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (p = 0.0497). Simultaneous increase of IL-8 and IL-6 concentration levels could be used as a cytokine indicator to predict secondary OAG in patients with PSS (p = 0.0095).

Conclusion

Simultaneous increase of IL-8 and IL-6 concentrations may be an important cause of accelerated secondary OAG in patients with PSS, with IL-8 playing a more critical role. IL-8 and IL-6 may be more reliable cytokine markers for predicting secondary OAG in PSS, However, the high possibility of secondary OAG in patients with CMV-positive PSS should not be ignored. Regulation of IL-8 and IL-6 levels may be a new strategy of preventing OAG secondary to PSS.

Clinical characteristics of virus-related uveitic secondary glaucoma: focus on cytomegalovirus and varicella zoster virus

Background

We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of secondary glaucoma related to cytomegalovirus (CMV)- and varicella zoster virus (VZV)-positive uveitis.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients with anterior uveitic secondary glaucoma. All the patients underwent aqueous and serum analyses for viral antibody through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Among the 60 included patients, 22 had CMV-negative Posner-Schlossman syndrome (CMV-negative PSS), 25 had CMV-positive PSS, and 13 had VZV-positive anterior uveitis secondary glaucoma (VZV-AUSG). We evaluated the following main indicators: age, disease duration, intraocular pressure (IOP), cup-to-disc ratio, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal endothelial cell (CEC) count, ocular morphological changes, and medical treatments.

Results

We found that 53.2% (25/47) patients with PSS were CMV-positive. Patients with CMV-positive PSS had a larger cup-to-disc ratio (p = .043), lower CEC density (p = .017), more severe CEC loss (p < .001), and more iris depigmentation (p = .006) than CMV-negative PSS patients. Compared with patients with CMV-positive PSS, those with VZV-AUSG were older (p = .003), presented a higher IOP (p = .015), and had poorer BCVA (p < .001). Patients with CMV-positive PSS and VZV-AUSG all accepted ganciclovir treatment, and those with CMV-positive PSS used fewer antiglaucoma agents simultaneously compared with CMV-negative PSS (p = .005) and VZV-AUSG (p < .001). All three groups had a comparable proportion of patients requiring antiglaucoma surgery.

Conclusions

We observed some distinctive clinical features in CMV-positive PSS compared with CMV-negative PSS. Further, we found that patients with VZV-AUSG presented with a higher IOP and worse visual acuity, and required more antiglaucoma medication than those with CMV-positive PSS.

Posner‐Schlossman syndrome (glaucomatocyclitic crisis)

Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) or glaucomatocyclitic crisis is a rare, typically unilateral recurrent inflammatory ocular hypertensive disease in which diagnosis can be challenging. An acute elevation of intraocular pressure is accompanied by or followed within a few days by a mild, often symptomless uveal inflammation. The mild nature of the uveitis at presentation of the first attack may go undetected. Medical treatment is indicated to prevent pressure-related optic nerve damage and to reduce inflammation. This report details a patient with Posner-Schlossman syndrome whose unilateral pressure elevation was initially treated as acute angle-closure glaucoma. He subsequently had several episodes of increased pressure over a two-year period. Diagnostic difficulties in this case are discussed.

Involvement of autotaxin in the pathophysiology of elevated intraocular pressure in Posner-Schlossman syndrome

To examine whether autotaxin (ATX) in the aqueous humor causes elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS). ATX and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in the aqueous humor were quantified in PSS patients. The expression of ATX and TGF-β in cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected-human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells was examined. Biological changes in hTM cells and monkey Schlemm’s canal endothelial (SCE) cells cultured in the conditioned medium of CMV-infected hTM cells were analyzed. The expression of ATX and TGF-β1 was upregulated in the aqueous humor of CMV-positive PSS patients, and the level of ATX in the aqueous humor was positively correlated with IOP. CMV infection upregulated ATX and TGF-β1 in hTM cells. The conditioned medium induced fibrotic changes in hTM cells and reduced SCE permeability, which was attenuated by an ATX inhibitor, a lysophosphatidic acid receptor antagonist, and a Rho kinase inhibitor. ATX in the aqueous humor induced by CMV infection may trigger elevated IOP. Modulating ATX activity may be a novel treatment modality for PSS.

The characteristics of Posner-Schlossman syndrome: A comparison in the surgical outcome between cytomegalovirus-positive and cytomegalovirus-negative patients

This retrospective observational study aims to report the clinical characteristics and surgical results in eyes with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS), and compare these outcomes between cytomegalovirus (CMV)-positive and -negative eyes.We reviewed the medical records of 21 consecutive immunocompetent patients clinically diagnosed with PSS between the years 2010 and 2018. Aqueous humor was collected from all the affected eyes to detect if CMV was present, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the herpesvirus family primers.The average period between the initial PSS attack and aqueous humor sampling at our institute was 9.3 years. Out of the 21 patients, 62% were CMV-positive. Regardless of CMV status, the mean intraocular pressure (IOP), mean deviation (MD), and central corneal endothelium cell (CEC) density, at the initial examination at our institute were already significantly worse in the affected eyes than in the unaffected eyes (all P values < .05). The average visual acuity (VA) was only significantly worse in the CMV-positive group (P = .02). Out of all the patients, those that were CMV-positive had undergone more glaucoma surgeries (P = .056). Fourteen patients underwent either a trabeculectomy (TRAB) or a trabeculotomy (LOT), and their IOP significantly reduced following surgery (P < .001). In 85.7% of those that had surgery, their IOP was successfully lowered to less than 20 mm Hg.Long-lasting PSS causes a decrease in VA, MD, and the CEC density. A prompt diagnosis is required, and an appropriate treatment plan should be formulated. In those patients with PSS that develop uncontrolled glaucoma, both TRAB and LOT may be effective in controlling IOP.

Digital droplet polymerase chain reaction analysis of common viruses in the aqueous humour of patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome in Chinese population

BACKGROUND

To compare the detection results consistency of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), and determine the value of ddPCR for viral detection in the aqueous humour.

METHODS

A total of 130 aqueous humour samples were collected, including 60 patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) in case group and 70 elderly patients with senile cataract in control group. The target nucleic acid fragments of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus and varicella zoster virus in aqueous humour were analysed by qPCR and ddPCR, respectively, for the diagnosis and curative effect monitoring of pathogen-induced PSS. Samples with inconsistent results were verified by next-generation sequencing.

RESULTS

There were 27 and 20 HCMV-positive cases detected in the case group by ddPCR and qPCR, respectively. ddPCR increased the sensitivity for the HCMV virus detection from 400 to 100 copies/mL. No other pathogens were found in this study. The results of ddPCR were consistent with that of next generation sequencing. The mean (SD) of Lg (HCMV copies/mL) detected by ddPCR and qPCR were 1.66 (1.92) and 1.10 (1.61), respectively (P < 0.001). Compared with qPCR, results of ddPCR showed better consistency with validity of clinical treatment. All patients with ddPCR-positive results had good validity on antiviral therapy, exhibiting anterior chamber inflammation remission, resolution of corneal oedema and good IOP control within 1 month.

CONCLUSIONS

HCMV was the leading cause of pathogen-induced PSS in the Chinese population. ddPCR was a promising tool for early detection, accurate diagnosis and therapeutic validity monitoring of pathogen-induced PSS. The high sensitivity of ddPCR could avoid repeated anterior chamber tap.

Glaucomatocyclitic Crises May Occur in Patients with Narrow or Closed Angles

Purpose

To report cases of glaucomatocyclitic crises and discuss the possibility of occurrence in patients with narrow or closed angles.

Background

The prevalence of angle closure is much higher among Asians than among the Western population. Currently, there is no evidence for a direct relationship between the etiology and angle structure.

Design

A retrospective and observational case series.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from nine adult patients (three males and six females) who were diagnosed with a glaucomatocyclitic crisis and a shallow anterior chamber over a 21-year period, from 1995 to 2016, at the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. A narrow angle was defined as a grade less than the Shaffer system grade II. Ophthalmic examinations, including anterior segment biomicroscopy, direct ophthalmoscopy, intraocular pressure measurements, anterior chamber reaction, visual field tests, and the grade of the anterior chamber angle according to the Shaffer system, were reviewed.

Results

These patients experienced at least one typical unilateral ocular hypertensive episode that fulfilled the criteria of a glaucomatocyclitic crisis without the angle feature. All patients had gonioscopically narrow or closed angles with or without peripheral anterior synechiae.

Conclusions

The coexistence of narrow or closed angles and a glaucomatocyclitic crisis is possible, especially in patients of Asian descent. In patients with shallow anterior chambers, a glaucomatocyclitic crisis may be a cause of acute glaucoma episodes.

Posner-Schlossman syndrome in Wenzhou, China: a retrospective review study

AIM

To describe the incidence of Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) in Lucheng District, Wenzhou, China, over a 10-year period.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of all inpatient and outpatient patients diagnosed with PSS during the years 2005-2014 in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. The keywords of 'glaucomatocyclitic crisis', 'Posner-Schlossman syndrome' and 'PSS' were used for the retrieval. Only patients with registered residing address in Lucheng District where the hospital located were finally selected. The cumulative incidence and annual incidence of PSS were calculated based on the sum of household registered population and temporary resident population in Lucheng District.

RESULTS

A total of 576 patients with PSS (339 men and 237 women) met the retrieval criteria. The mean age of these subjects at the first clinic visit was 40±15 years. Intraocular pressure (IOP) of the initial record was 31.91±15.37 mm Hg. The 10-year cumulative incidence of PSS in Lucheng District was 39.53 per 100 000 population, whereas the mean annual incidence of PSS in this area was 3.91 per 100 000 population. The majority of these patients were aged 20-59 years (83.9%). Men showed a significantly higher cumulative incidence of PSS than women (p=0.010). Higher rate of newly onset cases was found in spring (31%) than in other seasons (p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a relatively high incidence of PSS in Wenzhou, a southeastern city in China. Young, male adults are prone to be affected in spring. However, the aetiology and other risk factors are still waited to be clarified.

Characteristics of cases needing advanced treatment for intractable Posner-Schlossman syndrome

Background

In Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS), which is characterized by recurrent unilateral attacks of ocular hypertension. Surgical treatment is sometimes necessary because intraocular pressure (IOP) cannot be controlled with anti-glaucoma medications. To identify the clinical features of Posner–Schlossman syndrome (PSS) indicative of the need for intraocular pressure (IOP)-controlling surgery.

Methods

This study was a retrospective case-series analysis of the clinical charts of 33 patients diagnosed with PSS, who underwent surgery to control IOP or received medication only. Various clinical factors were compared between the surgical and medication groups.

Results

The surgical group had a higher corneal endothelial cell (CEC) density loss (p < 0.05), higher maximum IOP (p < 0.01), greater visual field loss (p < 0.01) and higher positive number for cytomegalovirus (CMV) (p < 0.001) than the non-surgical group. Eighteen of the 33 patients had a high CEC reduction ratio. Of these 18, 16 required glaucoma surgery.

Conclusions

PSS patients with a higher CEC reduction ratio, higher maximum IOP, greater visual field loss and higher positive number for CMV in the aqueous humor tended to be more likely to require progressive treatment, such as glaucoma surgery.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12886-017-0438-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Posner-Schlossman syndrome

Posner-Schlossman syndrome, or glaucomatocyclitic crisis, is a unilateral ocular condition characterized by recurrent attacks of nongranulomatous anterior uveitis and raised intraocular pressure that can result in chronic secondary glaucoma. This relatively rare disease is most likely the result of recurrent cytomegalovirus infection and affects predominantly middle-aged males. Diagnosis is largely clinical, with aqueous and blood sampling aiding the identification of any underlying infectious cause. Successful disease management is often achieved by topical treatment, although systemic therapy and even surgical intervention may be required. We discuss our current understanding of Posner-Schlossman syndrome, from its pathophysiology through to recommended treatment options.

Optic disc atrophy in patient with Posner-Schlossman syndrome

A 32-year-old man with blurred vision in the right eye and headache presented with anterior uveitis, an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 60 mmHg, an open angle, no visual field defects, and normal optic nerve. He had a history of five previous similar attacks. In each of the previous instances, his anterior uveitis and high IOP were controlled with antiglaucoma medications and topical steroids. However, at the fifth attack, his optic disc was pale and a superior paracentral visual field defect was shown. Brain magnetic resonance image studies were normal. This case represents that a recurrent Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS)-induced optic disc atrophy likely due to ocular ischemia caused by a recurrent, high IOP. Although PSS is a self-limiting syndrome, we should manage high IOP and prevent ischemia of the optic nerve head by treating with ocular antihypertensive medications.

Posner-Schlossman glaucomatocyclitic crisis

In 1948, Posner and Schlossman first reported glaucomatocyclitic crisis, an uncommon form of glaucoma characterized by recurrent unilateral episodes of markedly elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) with mild idiopathic anterior chamber inflammation. The exact etiology of glaucomatocyclitic crisis is not clear. Although it is typically a self-limited condition, some cases with advanced optic nerve cupping and associated visual field loss have been reported. Diagnosis of Posner-Schlossman syndrome is difficult, and it may mimic a variety of ocular disorders. Treatment of this syndrome is directed towards controlling the inflammation and associated IOP elevation.

Posner-Schlossman Syndrome and Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

A 41-year-old woman with acute OD pain and decreased visual acuity presented with anterior uveitis, an intraocular pressure of 56 mm Hg, an open angle, ipsilateral nerve fiber bundle visual field defects, and optic nerve edema. With control of intraocular pressure and uveitis, visual acuity improved to 20/25, visual field defects persisted, and optic disc pallor developed. She has remained stable over 23 months of follow-up. This case represents a concurrence of glaucomatocyclitic crisis (Posner-Schlossman syndrome, PSS) and nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Although this combination occurs rarely, patients with PSS and other risk factors for NAION, including an optic disc that lacks a physiologic cup, should be protected against NAION by prophylactic treatment with ocular antihypertensive medications.

Optic nerve head behavior in Posner-Schlossman syndrome

PURPOSE

To analyze the effect of glaucomatocyclitic crisis on the optic nerve head, as well as its consequent structural and hemodynamic changes. To evaluate the surgical indication for Posner-Schlossman syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four Posner-Schlossman syndrome cases were evaluated for an analysis of the phenomena occurring in the optic disc by means of retinal confocal tomography and Scanning Laser Doppler Flowmetry, and their correlation with visual function as measured with automated computerized perimetry. In all cases the images were obtained in the mediate period after the attack, while in case 1, measurements were performed in the immediate and mediate periods before, during and after the attack.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between optic nerve head parameters and retinal flow measurements in the different phases evaluated. No permanent optic nerve head damage was demonstrated in any of the cases studied, except for case 4 (Posner-Schlossman syndrome associated with traumatic glaucoma). All the variables analyzed returned to normal values after remission of the acute rise in intraocular pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

During the attacks of ocular hypertension the optic nerve head experiences significant morphologic changes and hemodynamic variations; nevertheless since they are transient, they fail to cause permanent damage. There was only one case, in which there was optic disc damage and visual field loss. It can be concluded that surgery should be restricted to those cases with severe and disabling symptoms (relative surgical indication) or to cases with progressive optic neuropathy with visual field loss, when the syndrome is associated with glaucoma (absolute surgical indication).

Is Posner Schlossman syndrome benign?

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical course of patients with Posner Schlossman syndrome (PSS).

DESIGN

Retrospective noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-three eyes of 50 patients.

METHODS

The case notes of all patients with PSS seen at the Uveitis Clinic of Singapore National Eye Centre were reviewed for evidence of glaucoma damage and risk factors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual field and optic disc changes consistent with glaucoma.

RESULTS

There were 28 men and 22 women, and their mean age at onset was 35 years. Fourteen eyes (26.4%) were diagnosed to have developed glaucoma as a result of repeated attacks of PSS. Patients with 10 years or more of PSS have a 2.8 times higher risk (95% confidence interval 1.19-6.52) of developing glaucoma compared with patients with less than 10 years duration of the disease. Nine eyes (17%) underwent glaucoma filtering surgery with antimetabolites. Their postoperative follow-up ranged from 15 to 50 months (mean, 37 months). Four eyes continued to have episodes of iritis after surgery, and one of these eyes had elevated intraocular pressure during the event.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of patients with PSS have glaucoma develop over time, and they need to have their optic disc appearance and visual fields carefully monitored.

Selective reduction of the S-cone component of the electroretinogram in Posner-Schlossman syndrome

PURPOSE

The changes in short wavelength sensitive (S-) cone electroretinograms (ERGs) to ganzfeldt flash stimuli were examined in patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome to study the differences in S-cone action in both the acute attack phase and the remission phase.

METHODS

Ganzfeldt colour flashes under bright white background illumination were used to elicit short wavelength (S-), and mixed long- (L) and middle- (M) wavelength sensitive cone ERGs. Three subjects with unilateral Posner-Schlossman syndrome and 18 age-matched normal controls were compared. To compare the media opacity we obtained the L,M-cone balance, namely, the log density units of the neutral density filter required to produce the L,M-cone b-wave elicited with red stimuli which is identical to those with blue stimuli.

RESULTS

Selective reduction of the S-cone ERG b-wave in acute attacks of Posner-Schlossman syndrome was found. Two of three cases showed the recovery of the S-cone b-wave with a decrease in the intraocular pressure. With regard to the implicit time, significant delay of the S-cone b-wave could not be detected in all subjects.

CONCLUSION

Selective reduction of the S-cone component of the ERG during raised intraocular pressure was found. The S-cone pathway is thought to be more vulnerable to damage than the L,M-cone systems following elevations of intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma associated with uveitis

Raised intraocular pressure is a common and frequently serious complication of anterior uveitis. The milieu of inflammatory cells, the mediators they release, and the corticosteroid therapy used to treat the uveitis can participate in the pathogenesis of uveitic glaucoma. These factors alter the normal anatomic structure of the anterior chamber and angle, influencing aqueous production and outflow. These changes act to disrupt the homeostatic mechanisms of intraocular pressure control. Structural changes in the angle can be acute, such as in secondary angle closure with pupillary block glaucoma, or chronic, such as combined steroid-induced and secondary open angle glaucoma. Management of uveitic glaucoma may be difficult because of the numerous mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. Diagnostic and therapeutic decisions are guided by careful delineation of the pathophysiology of each individual case. The goal of treatment is to minimize permanent structural alteration of aqueous outflow and to prevent damage to the optic nerve head. This article reviews the pathogenesis of uveitic glaucoma, with specific attention to etiology. Medical and surgical therapies are also discussed, with emphasis on the more recent developments in each category.

Transient open-angle glaucoma associated with sickle cell trait: report of 4 cases

Four black patients, all with sickle trait (SA), developed transient open-angle glaucoma with blood in Schlemm's canal. In 3 patients the condition followed blunt trauma, while in the fourth no antecedent trauma was described. The intraocular pressure became normal in all 4 cases with the resolution of the haemorrhage from the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal.

Progress in the treatment of glaucoma in my lifetime

A period of great progress in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma began in the 1920's with the development of gonioscopy apparatus and the slitlamp, and the first application of epinephrine in the treatment of the disease. With the development of precise methods for examination, differentiation among the various forms of glaucoma became possible, knowledge and theories regarding the nature and mechanisms of the disease became available, and medical and surgical approaches to treatment were developed with varying degrees of success. Major events and concepts in the management of glaucoma during the last 50 years are reviewed, including literature reports and the personal experiences of the authors and his colleagues.