Spontaneous onset pseudophakic malignant glaucoma secondary to zonular weakness and cilio-lenticular block

Aqueous misdirection syndrome: clinical outcomes and risk factors for treatment failure

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of postoperative aqueous misdirection and factors predicting failure of interventions.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 49 eyes from 47 patients with aqueous misdirection following glaucoma or cataract surgery. Resolution of aqueous misdirection (AM) was deepening of the central anterior chamber (AC) and intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate risk factors for failure of various treatments.

RESULTS

10/49 eyes (20%) resolved with conservative management, and 39/49 eyes (80%) needed multiple intervention, of which 95% (37/39) eyes achieved resolution of aqueous misdirection. Pseudophakia predicted the need for multiple interventions with a hazard ratio of 2.391 (1.158-4.935), p = 0.02). Among the risk factors assessed for resolution of AM, longer axial length (HR: 0.61 (0.414-0.891), p < 0.01) and eyes with prior glaucoma surgery predicted resolution (HR: 0.142 (0.027-0.741), p < 0.01) and delayed presentation predicted failure (HR: 1.002 (1.0002-1.0031), p < 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Pseudophakic eyes were more refractory and predicted the need for multiple interventions. Eyes with prior glaucoma surgery and those with longer axial length had achieved resolution faster, and delayed presentation was a risk factor for failure to resolve.

Cataract Surgery in Malignant Glaucoma from Complete Subluxation of Lens into Anterior Chamber

Aim and objective

To report an unusual and difficult case of malignant glaucoma induced by a traumatic mature cataract that had migrated into the anterior chamber in a developmentally delayed patient.

Background

Malignant glaucoma can present due to multiple mechanisms, including trauma-induced cataract migration into the anterior chamber.

Case description

A developmentally delayed female in her 40s with a history of self-abuse was found to have malignant glaucoma in the setting of a traumatic cataract that had migrated in front of the iris into the anterior chamber. Exam under anesthesia and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) demonstrated complete subluxation of the lens into the anterior chamber. Perioperative techniques included prophylactic pars plana vitrectomy to alleviate posterior pressure as well as the creation of an irido-zonulo-hyaloido-vitrectomy (IZHV), which allowed for reformation of the anterior chamber. These maneuvers allowed for cataract surgery to be performed through a clear corneal incision, with anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. The patient had improved vision, pressure, and pain.

Conclusion

Malignant glaucoma can present in unique ways and the presence of a flat anterior chamber and increased posterior pressure can make surgery challenging. Initial pars plana vitrectomy in addition to the creation of an IZHV can help relieve posterior pressure and facilitate cataract extraction. It is important to factor in patient-specific situations and goals while selecting an intraocular lens.

Clinical significance

Traumatic cataracts and malignant glaucoma can present in unique scenarios that may prove difficult to treat. Certain techniques can facilitate these challenging surgeries and provide the optimal outcome for patients.

How to cite this article

Sarrafpour S, Davies I, Ahmed O, et al. Cataract Surgery in Malignant Glaucoma from Complete Subluxation of Lens into Anterior Chamber. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2021;15(3):164–167.

Pseudophakic malignant glaucoma - a case report

Purpose. To report a case of malignant glaucoma in a pseudophakic female patient, with no history of glaucoma, resolved through pars plana anterior vitrectomy. Case presentation. An 80-year-old female patient presented in our Emergency Department after a five-day history of pain in her left eye (LE). In the last day, the patient noticed marked visual loss and ocular pain. Visual acuity was light perception and Goldman tonometry was 80 mmHg in her LE. The biomicroscopy revealed absent peripheral and central anterior chamber (AC) and posterior chamber (PC) pseudophakia. Posterior segment ecography showed no vitreous or choroidal abnormalities. A peripheral laser YAG iridotomy was made and the patient was treated with intravenous 20% mannitol, topical timolol, topical brimonidine, and topical cycloplegics. 12 hours later, despite a patent iridotomy in the LE eye, intraocular pressure (IOP) was 55 mmHg, absent AC with severe corneal edema. The diagnosis of pseudophakic malignant glaucoma was made and laser YAG capsulotomy was performed with no resolution of symptoms and signs. 24 hours later, we performed pars plana anterior vitrectomy. Postoperatively, the AC depth increased and the IOP decreased to 20mmHg. After a week, the patient was discharged with hand movement perception visual acuity in her LE, 20 mmHg IOP, reduced corneal edema, normal depth AC. After a month, the corneal edema resolved, the visual acuity was 2/50, IOP was 20mmHg, and the AC had a normal depth. Conclusion. Malignant glaucoma is a sight threatening condition, reported in pseudophakic eyes. Although, literature describes cases solved by cycloplegics and laser YAG capsulotomy, our patient needed pars plana anterior vitrectomy for the resolution of symptoms and signs.