Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty for primary graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty / Transplante endotelial de membrana de Descemet para falência primária após transplante penetrante

ABSTRACT Primary graft failure (PGF) is a known complication following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). The usual approach to treat this complication is to repeat a penetrating keratoplasty. Here, we report a case of Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for the treatment of PGF after PKP. A patient that underwent PKP, developed PGF with persistent graft edema and very poor visual acuity despite aggressive steroid use and a proof anti-viral treatment. Three months after the initial surgery, a DMEK was performed under the PKP graft. There was progressive early corneal clearing and, by the end of the first month, the patient already had no corneal edema. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) improved to 20/40 and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) to 20/20. DMEK may be an alternative to a second PKP for the treatment of PGF. This technique is a less invasive option when compared to the standard PKP procedure.

RESUMO A falência primária do enxerto é uma complicação conhecida que pode ocorrer após o transplante penetrante de córnea. O tratamento usual dessa complicação é com um novo transplante penetrante. Apresentamos um caso em que foi usado o transplante endotelial de membrana de Descemet (DMEK - do inglês Descemet membrane endo-thelial keratoplasty) para o tratamento da falência primária após o transplante penetrante. Uma paciente submetida a transplante penetrante evoluiu com falência primária do enxerto a despeito do uso intenso de corticoide tópico e uma prova terapêutica de antivirais. Três meses após a cirurgia inicial, foi optado pela realização do transplante endotelial de membrana de Descemet sob o transplante penetrante. Houve um clareamento precoce e progressivo do enxerto com melhora importante da visão. Após um mês, a visão sem correção era de 20/40 melhorando para 20/20 com refração. O transplante endotelial de membrana de Descemet pode ser uma alternativa a um novo transplante penetrante como tratamento da falência primária.

Double bubble pneumo-descemetopexy for the management of Descemet membrane detachment: An innovative technique

A 62-year-old woman was referred with poor vision following manual small incision cataract surgery. On presentation, the uncorrected distance visual acuity in the involved eye was 3/60, whereas slit-lamp examination revealed a central corneal edema with the peripheral cornea relatively clear. Direct focal examination with a narrow slit upper border and lower margin of detached rolled up Descemet’s membrane (DM) could be visualized. We performed a novel surgical approach, “double-bubble pneumo-descemetopexy.” The surgical procedure included unrolling of DM with “small air bubble” and descemetopexy with “big bubble.” No postoperative complications were observed, and best corrected distance visual acuity improved to 6/9 at 6 weeks. The patient had a clear cornea and maintained BCVA 6/9 during 18 months at follow-up. Double-bubble pneumo-descemetopexy, a more controlled technique, provides a satisfactory anatomical and visual outcome in DMD without the need for endothelial keratoplasty (Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty or DMEK) or penetrating keratoplasty.

In vivo confocal microscopic observations of 49 patients with posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the imaging features of 49 patients with posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy(PPCD)by in vivo confocal microscopy(IVCM).METHODS: Retrospective case series study. A total of 49 patients(86 eyes), including 32 males and 17 females diagnosed with PPCD between January 2013 and January 2021 were collected. The mean age was 42.5±22.9 years. All patients were scanned by IVCM to analyze the density of corneal endothelial cells and described IVCM characteristics of different types of PPCD.RESULTS: The number of endothelial cells in the lesion area of all patients was lower than that in the peripheral area. Under IVCM, 44 eyes(51%)were categorized into type 1 PPCD(vesicular lesions), characterized by single or multiple, central round or irregular crater-like lesion on paracentral corneal endothelial layer; 16 eyes(19%)were categorized into type 2 PPCD(band lesions), which displayed curved and raised edge with scattered or banded-distributed gutta-like lesion between edges. Type 3 PPCD(diffuse lesion)were in 26 eyes(30%), which showed that endothelial cells were missing in many areas. The blurred images of endothelium in most areas featured with spikes lined in a streak, and the clear images in some areas featured with a band lesions. Two patients were followed up for 4-5a. The IVCM images showed different lesions, including the decrease of central corneal endothelial cell density and the iron deposit in the corneal epithelium, etc.CONCLUSION: IVCM is able to scan the characteristic microstructural alterations at the level of endothelium and Descemet membrane in patients with PPCD, and provide an effective image diagnosis for PPCD.

Infectious interface keratitis after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty / Ceratite infecciosa de interface após ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the clinical course and management of infectious interface keratitis after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. Methods: A total of 352 cases that had undergone Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with infectious interface keratitis during follow-up were analyzed. The microbiological analyses, time to infection onset, clinical findings, follow-up duration, treatment, and post-treatment corrected distance visual acuity were recorded. Results: IIK was detected in eight eyes of eight cases. Three fungal and three bacterial pathogens were identified in all cases. All patients received medical treatment according to culture sensitivity. Antifungal treatment was initiated in two cases with no growth on culture, with a preliminary diagnosis of fungal interface keratitis. Intrastromal antifungal injections were performed in all patients with fungal infections. The median time to infection onset was 164 days (range: 2-282 days). The postoperative infectious interface keratitis developed in the early period in two cases. The mean follow-up duration was 13.4 ± 6.2 months (range: 6-26 months). Re-Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty was performed in two patients (25%) and therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in four patients (50%) who did not recover with medical treatment. The final corrected distance visual acuity was 20/40 or better in five patients (62.5%). Conclusion: The diagnosis and treatment of infectious interface keratitis following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty are challenging. Early surgical intervention should be preferred in the absence of response to medical treatment. Better graft survival and visual acuity can be achieved with therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty and re-Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in patients with infectious interface keratitis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o curso clínico e o manejo da ceratite infecciosa de interface após ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet. Métodos: Um total de 352 casos submetidos a ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet foram revisados retrospectivamente. Pacientes com ceratite infecciosa de interface foram analisados durante o acompanhamento. As análises microbiológicas, o tempo até o início da infecção, os achados clínicos, a duração do acompanhamento, o tratamento e a acuidade visual para longe corrigida pós-tratamento foram registrados. Resultados: Ceratite infecciosa de interface foi detectada em 8 olhos de 8 casos. Três patógenos fúngicos e três bacterianos foram identificados em todos os casos e receberam tratamento médico de acordo com a sensibilidade da cultura. O tratamento antifúngico foi iniciado em dois casos sem crescimento em cultura, com diagnóstico preliminar de ceratite infecciosa fúngica. Injeções antifúngicas intraestromais foram usadas em todos os casos com infecções fúngicas. O tempo médio para o início da infecção foi de 164 dias (variação: 2-282 dias). A ceratite infecciosa de interface pós-operatória desenvolveu-se no período inicial em dois casos. A duração média do acompanhamento foi de 13,4 ± 6,2 meses (variação: 6-26 meses). A ceratoplastia endotelial de membrana de Descemet foi realizada em dois casos (25%) e ceratoplastia penetrante terapêutica em quatro casos (50%) que não se recuperaram com tratamento médico. A acuidade visual para longe corrigida final foi de 20/40 ou melhor em 5/8 (62,5%) dos pacientes. Conclusões: O diagnóstico e o tratamento da ceratite infecciosa de interface após ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet são difíceis. A intervenção cirúrgica precoce deve ser o procedimento preferido se não houver resposta ao tratamento médico. Melhor sobrevida do enxerto e melhor acuidade visual podem ser alcançadas com ceratoplastia penetrante terapêutica e ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet em pacientes com ceratite infecciosa de interface

The relationship between systemic disorders and anatomical outcomes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty / A relação entre distúrbios sistêmicos e resultados anatômicos para ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of anatomical outcomes and medications of patients with systemic diseases who underwent Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty with donor factors. Methods: Sixty nondiabetic donors of endothelial grafts and 60 patients who underwent operation by a single surgeon were included in this retrospective study. The patients' data, including the presence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, antidiabetic-antihypertensive medications, and intracameral tamponades and anatomical outcomes, were recorded. The donor data were obtained from eye bank records. Results: Eighteen patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus (30%) and 34 had hypertension (56.6%). Among the patients with diabetes mellitus, 13 were receiving a single-agent antidiabetic drug, 4 were receiving dual oral antidiabetic therapy, and 1 was receiving insulin therapy. Among the hypertensive patients, 11 had monotherapy and 23 had dual antihypertensive therapy. Postoperatively, 35 patients (58.3%) had an endothelial attachment, 8 (13.3%) received reinjection, 7 (11.7%) required re-Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, and 10 (16.7%) underwent penetrating keratoplasty. The mean donor age was 51.2 ± 14.1 years. The most common cause of donor death was cardiopulmonary arrest (36/60 cases; 60.0%). Regression analysis revealed that the presence of diabetes mellitus significantly disrupted graft attachment (p=0.034), while the presence of hypertension, antidiabetic and antihypertensive medication use, and the type of tamponade used in the patients, and the age, sex, cause of death, and specular endothelial cell count of donors were not statistically significantly associated with graft attachment (p>0.05). Conclusion: In this study, the anatomical outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty surgery were affected by recipient and donor factors. The presence of diabetes mellitus in the recipient significantly negatively affected graft attachment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a associação de desfechos ana tômicos com doenças sistêmicas e medicamentos em casos submetidos à ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet e fatores relativos aos doadores. Métodos: Foram incluídos neste estudo retrospectivo enxertos obtidos de doadores não diabéticos e 60 casos operados por um único cirurgião. Foram registrados os dados dos casos, incluindo a presença de diabetes mellitus e hipertensão, medicamentos antidiabéticos e anti-hipertensivos, tamponamentos intracamerais e desfechos anatômicos. Os dados dos doadores foram obtidos dos prontuários do banco de olhos. Resultados: Dezoito casos tinham diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (30%) e 34 tinham hipertensão (56,6%). Entre os casos de diabetes mellitus, 13 estavam em uso de uma medicação antidiabética de agente único, 4 estavam em terapia antidiabética oral dupla e 1 estava em insulinoterapia. Entre os hipertensos, 11 estavam em monoterapia e 23 em terapia anti-hipertensiva dupla. No pós-operatório, 35 pacientes (58,3%) submeteram-se a uma fixação endotelial, enquanto 8 casos (13,3%) receberam reinjeção, 7 casos (11,7%) necessitaram de ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet e 10 casos (16,7%) foram submetidos a uma ceratoplastia penetrante. A média de idade dos doadores foi de 51,2 ± 14,1 anos. A causa mais comum de morte do doador foi parada cardiorrespiratória (36/60 casos; 60,0%). A análise de regressão revelou que a presença de diabetes mellitus causa distúrbios significativos na fixação do enxerto (p=0,034), enquanto a presença de hipertensão, o uso de medicamentos antidiabéticos e anti-hipertensivos, o tipo de tamponamento usado, a idade, o sexo, a causa da morte e a contagem de células endoteliais especulares dos doadores não demonstraram associações estatisticamente significativas com a fixação do enxerto (p>0,05). Conclusões: Os resultados anatômicos da cirurgia de ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet são afetados por fatores do receptor e do doador. A presença de diabetes mellitus no receptor teve um significativo impacto negativo na fixação do enxerto.

Complications in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty – A retrospective interventional analysis in a large series

Purpose: To analyze the complications in patients managed with deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for diseases of the anterior corneal stroma. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all the patients who underwent DALK in a tertiary care center in South India from 2010 to 2020. A total of 474 eyes in 373 patients were included in the study. Patients who underwent DALK for advanced keratoconus, keratoconus with Bowman’s membrane scar, healed hydrops, macular corneal opacity, macular corneal dystrophy, granular corneal dystrophy, spheroidal degeneration, pellucid marginal degeneration, post– laser?assisted in situ keratomileusis ectasia, descematocele, post?collagen cross?linking aborted melt and dense scar, and post?radial keratotomy were included in the study. The patients were followed up for 17.2 +/? 9.2 months (1–9 years). Results: Complications noted in the surgery were intra?operatively Descemet’s membrane perforation in 31 eyes (6.54%), post?operatively secondary glaucoma in 16 eyes (3.37%), cataract in seven eyes (1.47%), suture?related complications in five eyes (1.05%), graft rejection in three eyes (0.63%), traumatic dehiscence in two eyes (0.42%), filamentary keratitis in two eyes (0.42%), interface infiltrate in one eye (0.21%), and recurrence of disease in four eyes (7.14%) out of 57 eyes with corneal dystrophy. Conclusion: DALK as an alternative to penetrating keratoplasty for anterior corneal stromal diseases. It has become an automatic choice for diseases of the anterior cornea requiring keratoplasty. Complications can occur at any stage of surgery; however, if identified and managed early, they can result in optimal outcome

Gonioscopic angle evaluation and its correlation with graft survival and post-operative ocular hypertension in patients of Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty

Purpose: To evaluate the gonioscopic changes in patients receiving Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) without pre?existing ocular hypertension (OHT) and to report its correlation with post?surgery OHT, graft survival, and visual outcomes. Methods: Adult patients who underwent DSEK surgery from April 2014 to March 2018 with at least 2 years of follow?up were analyzed in this retrospective study. Demographic details, indication of DSEK, necessary anterior and posterior segment findings, and the post?DSEK OHT details were documented. Results: A total of 58 patients (23 males and 35 females) with a mean age of 61.44 ± 8.8 years were included in the study. The most common etiology for DSEK surgery was pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in 47 eyes (81.03%). A total of 22.41% (13/58) eyes showed elevated intra?ocular pressure (IOP) following DSEK surgery. The most common cause of IOP elevation was steroid?induced OHT in seven eyes (12.06%). Gonioscopy examination revealed areas of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) in 17 (29.3%) eyes. OHT was found in 4/17 (23.5%) eyes having PAS. Three of these cases required trabeculectomy + goniosynechiolysis (GSL), and the fourth case required GSL alone to control IOP. These four cases also required repeat DSEK for failed grafts. The mean pre?operative best corrected visual acuity was 1.62 logMAR (range 1.17–1.77), which gradually improved to 0.79 logMAR (range 0.3–1.77) after 2 years (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: PAS was found to be an important factor associated with post?DSEK ocular hypertension in our study. OHT in PAS cases required definitive surgical treatments to control IOP. It adversely affected the graft survival and in turn affected visual outcomes also.

Preferred practice pattern for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty surgeries: A survey of Indian corneal surgeons

Purpose: This study aims to assess the preferred surgical technique of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) among corneal surgeons in India, and barriers in performing DMEK surgeries amongst the non?DMEK surgeons. Methods: An online, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among members of the Cornea Society of India (CSI) (n = 500). Responses on their surgical experience, preferred technique, complications, and outcome of DMEK were collected and analyzed. Barriers in performing DMEK surgeries were assessed amongst the non?DMEK surgeons. Results: A total of 100 responses were obtained and response rate for the survey was 20%. DMEK was performed by 55% of the participants of whom only 40% had formal training in this technique. Surgical video-based learning was the most often used self-training method for others. Lack of training was the most common reason for not performing DMEK by the non-DMEK surgeons. Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) was the most common endothelial keratoplasty (EK) performed by both DMEK and non-DMEK surgeons. High volume (>50 cases) DMEK surgeries were reported by limited surgeons (n = 6). Nearly all the DMEK surgeons prepared the donor tissue by themselves on the day of the surgery, and majority felt that unrolling the graft in the anterior chamber was the most difficult surgical step. Nearly 80% of the DMEK surgeons were more comfortable with DSEK or Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) when compared to DMEK. Conclusion: DMEK practice in India needs improvement with increased accessibility to DMEK training programs, wet lab facilities, and better support from eye banks

Posterior corneal morphological changes in primary congenital glaucoma

Purpose: To compare posterior corneal morphology between older treated and younger untreated children with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) and intraoperative OCT (iOCT), respectively. Methods: In this comparative study, ASOCT of older PCG children were compared with iOCT of younger untreated PCG patients. Differences between the two groups with respect to posterior corneal morphology were studied. Results: Observed morphological patterns within posterior cornea in older treated (age: 72–300 months) children (87 eyes) included Descemet’s membrane (DM) excrescences (70%), thickened DM (35%), intracameral twin protuberances (92%), and DM detachment (26%). Changes within pre?Descemet’s layer (PDL) (28%) included thickening, breaks, and detachments. Extent of Haab’s striae was associated with thickness of DM/PDL complex (P = 0.008) when analyzed in the treated group. In contrast, in the untreated group (n = 53 eyes, age 1–63 months), posterior corneal changes were limited to diffuse hyper?reflectivity of the DM/PDL complex, with absence of DM tears. Conclusion: Posterior cornea thickens and Haab’s striae become more circumscribed in eyes of older treated children compared to untreated PCG eyes, probably reflecting a healing response of posterior cornea over time.

Comparison of long-term outcomes of trabeculectomy and risk factors for failure in eyes post penetrating keratoplasty or Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of trabeculectomy, graft survival, and risk factors for failure in post penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) eyes. Methods: We reviewed charts of eyes that underwent trabeculectomy for post keratoplasty glaucoma PK [25 eyes] and DSEK [14 eyes] between 1993 and 2019. The demographics, clinical features, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. Success of trabeculectomy was defined as complete when the intraocular pressure (IOP) was >5 and ?21 mmHg without antiglaucoma medications (AGM) and qualified with AGM. Clear and compact graft was considered for graft success. Results: Median (interquartile range [IQR] preoperative IOP in post?PK eyes and post?DSEK eyes was comparable, 32 (28–38) vs. 31.5 (25–36) mmHg, P = 0.38). Median number of preoperative AGMs was comparable (P = 0.78). Median postoperative follow?up was longer in post?PK, compared with post?DSEK, 2.5 (1.3–3.3) vs. 1 (0.3–2.9) years (P = 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for complete and qualified success of trabeculectomy at 3 years were 23.7% and 73.3%, respectively, for PK and 45.8% and 71.6%, respectively, for DSEK. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for graft survival were 91.8% up to 3 years for PK and 100% until 2 years and 77.8% at 3 years for DSEK. Higher IOP prior to trabeculectomy was a risk factor for failure of trabeculectomy (P = 0.03) and older age was a risk factor for graft failure (P = 0.05) in PK eyes. Number of prior corneal surgeries (P = 0.05) was associated with failure of trabeculectomy and graft failure in post?DSEK eyes. Conclusion: Trabeculectomy had moderate qualified success in post?PK and DSEK eyes at 3 years. Higher pretrabeculectomy IOP and higher number of prior corneal surgeries were significantly associated with failure of trabeculectomy in PK and DSEK eyes, respectively

Reverse graft suturing to avoid Descemet’s membrane detachment of glycerol-preserved donor cornea used for therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty during COVID-19 to overcome the tissue shortage – A novel surgical technique

To overcome tissue shortage during pandemic, we switched to 100% glycerol preservation of the donor cornea, which is economical and provides longer duration of storage than the short and intermediate storage mediums we normally use like McCAREY Kaufman (MK) or cornisol. During our initial few cases of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty using glycerol preserved donor cornea, we faced spontaneous Descemet’s detachments resistant to air tamponade. We tried reverse graft suturing and successfully reinforced Descemet’s attachment along with air tamponade, in one of the cases after multiple failed air injections. In the subsequent two cases of infective keratitis needing therapeutic penetrating Keratoplasty, we took eight reverse sutures in between the eight cardinals, to anchor the Descemet’s membrane of the graft. Both the grafts showed attached Descemet’s and maintained good graft clarity. The reverse corneal suturing technique has not been described to the best of our knowledge and hope this helps our corneal fraternity.

Long-term influence of donor graft thickness and size on corneal endothelial cell density of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To explore the long-term influence of donor central graft thickness (CGT) and donor graft size on corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).Methods:An observational case series study was conducted.One hundred and forty-four eyes of 134 patients who underwent DSAEK in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 with at least 24-month follow-up were enrolled.Preoperative donor ECD was evaluated by specular microscopy, and ECD was determined by in vivo confocal microscopy at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.Donor CGT was measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography.According to the 3-month postoperative donor CGT, the subjects were divided into thinner graft group (45 eyes with CGT<100 μm), medium-thick graft group (66 eyes with CGT≥100-<150 μm) and thicker graft group (33 eyes with CGT≥150 μm). According to the donor trephination size, the subjects were divided into smaller graft group (31 eyes with trephination size≥7-<8 mm) and larger graft group (113 eyes with trephination size≥8-<9 mm). The changes of the donor CGT and corneal endothelial cell loss rate were compared at different time points after surgery.The relationships between 24-month postoperative ECD and donor ECD, donor graft size and donor CGT were analyzed.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking University Third Hospital (No.IRB00006761-2008025). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to any medical examination. Results:The donor CGT was 129.0 (90.8, 160.8), 115.5 (93.0, 146.0), 115.5 (89.0, 151.0), 112.5 (94.3, 146.8) and 114.0 (89.0, 144.5) μm at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, showing a statistically significant difference ( H=37.369, P<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between 1-month and 3-month postoperative CGT ( P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the endothelial cell loss rate among the three different donor CGT groups and between the two different donor graft size groups at any postoperative time points (all at P>0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the 24-month postoperative ECD was strongly positively correlated with the preoperative donor ECD( rs=0.783, P<0.001), which was not associated with donor graft size and donor CGT ( rs=0.141, P=0.093; rs=-0.044, P=0.600). Conclusions:Larger postoperative ECD is correlated with larger preoperative ECD of donor graft.Lower long-term corneal endothelial cell loss rate after DSAEK is associated with thinner and larger diameter of donor graft.

Descemet’s membrane detachment in a corneal graft after removal of a Baerveldt Shunt Intraluminal Stent

Objective@#We reported a case of Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) following ripcord removal of a Baerveldt shunt in a post-corneal transplant eye, and the interventions done.@*Method@#This is a case report@*Results@#A 65-year-old male with multiple surgeries (phacoemulsification, two corneal transplants, and Baerveldt shunt implantation) in the right eye developed increased intraocular pressures, prompting removal of the intraluminal stent (ripcord) of the shunt. This was complicated by hypotony and DMD. Ripcord reinsertion and viscoelastic injection were performed to reattach the Descemet's membrane (DM) but failed. 0.1mL of 14% perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas was injected into the anterior chamber that successfully reattached the DM with return to pre-operative best-corrected visual acuity after 1 week. @*Conclusion@#Injection of an expansive gas (C3F8) was effective in repairing a corneal graft DMD in an eye with a Baerveldt shunt.

New surgical maneuver to position the graft in a descemet stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty surgery / Nova manobra cirúrgica para posicionar o enxerto em cirurgia de ceratoplastia endotelial com desnudamento automatizado da Descemet

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe a new surgical maneuver to position the graft in a Descemet Stripping with Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) surgery. Methods: Case series. Results: This technique allows a correct repositioning of the graft in a minimally invasive way. Conclusion: This new surgical maneuver was successful in manipulating the graft in DSAEK surgery and therefore might be effective and safe.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever uma nova manobra cirúrgica para posicionar o enxerto em uma cirurgia de ceratoplastia endotelial automatizada com desnudamento da Descemet. Métodos: Série de casos. Resultados: A técnica permitiu o correto reposicionamento do enxerto de forma minimamente invasiva. Conclusão: Esta nova manobra cirúrgica foi bem-sucedida para manipular o enxerto na cirurgia ceratoplastia endotelial automatizada com desnudamento da Descemet e, portanto, pode ser eficaz e segura.

Comportamiento de los pacientes con distrofia corneal endotelial de Fuchs en la provincia Camagüey

Introducción: La distrofia corneal endotelial de Fuchs se trata de un trastorno degenerativo específico, bilateral y progresivo del endotelio corneal, es la más frecuente pero no siempre es diagnosticada en sus etapas iniciales en las consultas de oftalmología general. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento clínico de pacientes con distrofia corneal endotelial de Fuchs en la provincia Camagüey. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal en el Centro Oftalmológico del Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech en la provincia Camagüey desde noviembre 2019 hasta junio 2021. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por todos los pacientes que asistieron durante el periodo de estudio y la muestra la conformaron 19 pacientes (38 ojos) quienes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, sexo, color de la piel, agudeza visual con corrección, asociación con glaucoma, paquimetría, biomicroscopía del segmento anterior, microscopía endotelial, microscopía confocal, estadio de la enfermedad y tipo de tratamiento aplicado. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes entre 40 y 59 años de edad, el sexo femenino y color blanco de la piel. Sobresalió la visión útil, los valores de paquimetría altos y asociados al glaucoma. Se constató la presencia de guttas, edema corneal, bajo conteo celular con polimorfismo y polimegatismo. El estadio 2 estuvo en 47,4 % y el tratamiento médico se aplicó en el 97,4 %. Conclusiones: La distrofia aparece con más frecuencia después de los 40 años de edad, en sexo femenino y color blanco de piel. Predominó la visión útil, valores altos de paquimetrías y asociación con glaucoma. En la biomicroscopía del segmento anterior predominaron las guttas y el edema estromal y la microscopía endotelial y confocal se caracterizaron en su mayoría por el bajo conteo celular, las guttas, polimorfismo y polimegatismo. Prevaleció el estadio 2 y el tratamiento médico.

Introduction: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy is a specific, bilateral and progressive degenerative disorder of the corneal endothelium, it is the most frequent but it is not always diagnosed in its initial stages in general ophthalmology consultations. Objective: To describe the clinical behavior of patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy in Camagüey province. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out at the Ophthalmological Center of the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital in Camagüey in the period from November 2019 to June 2021. The study universe consisted of all the patients who attended during the study period and the sample was made up of 19 patients (38 eyes) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The variables studied were age, sex, skin color, corrected visual acuity, association with glaucoma, pachymetry, anterior segment biomicroscopy, endothelial microscopy, confocal microscopy, disease stage, and type of treatment applied. Results: Patients between 40 and 59 years of age, female sex, and white skin color predominated. Useful vision stood out, high pachymetry values and associated with glaucoma, the presence of guttas, corneal edema, low cell count with polymorphism, and polymegatism was confirmed. Stage 2 was 47.4% and medical treatment was applied in 97.4%. Conclusions: Dystrophy appears more frequently after 40 years of age, in females and white skin persons. Useful vision, high pachymetry values, and association with glaucoma prevailed. In the biomicroscopy of the anterior segment, guttas and stromal edema predominated, and endothelial and confocal microscopy were mostly characterized by low cell count, guttas, polymorphism, and polymegatism. Stage 2 and medical treatment prevailed.

Causes and treatment of complications in different stages of endothelial keratoplasty / 中华实验眼科杂志

As an ideal surgical method for treating corneal endothelial decompensation, endothelial keratoplasty has been widely applied.It has many advantages, but there are also complications during graft preparation, intraoperative operation and postoperative recovery.The two common types of corneal endothelial keratoplasty, Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, were taken as examples in this article to introduce the treatment of complications during graft preparation, such as graft perforation and graft tear, intraoperative complications, for instance, difficulty in expanding graft and graft inversion, postoperative complications including graft detachment, high intraocular pressure, etc.The incidence of complications at different stages of endothelial keratoplasty, influencing factors and treatment methods were reviewed to provide a reference for clinicians to diagnose and treat complications of endothelial keratoplasty at various stages.

Use of viscoelastic substance for preventing Descemet's membrane rupture in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty / Uso de substância viscoelástica na prevenção da ruptura da membrana de Descemet na ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of using a viscoelastic substance in Descemet's membrane rupture in "double bubble" deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Methods: The medical records and videos of surgeries of 40 patients who underwent surgery between January 2014 and July 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups: 20 patients whose perforation of the posterior stromal wall was performed without administration of any viscoelastic substance (group 1) and 20 patients whose perforation of the posterior stromal wall was performed with administration of viscoelastic substance onto the posterior stroma (group 2). The Descemet's membrane perforation rate was compared between groups. Results: Perforation of the Descemet's membrane was observed in 12 (60.0%) patients in group 1 and only three (15.0%) patients in group 2. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.003). Only one (5%) patient in group 2 had macroperforation during the procedure, and the surgery was converted to penetrating keratoplasty. Eleven (55.0%) patients in group 1 had macroperforation of Descemet's membrane, and surgeries were converted to penetrating keratoplasty. This difference between the groups was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusions: Administering a viscoelastic substance onto the posterior stromal side just before puncture is an effective method to decrease the risk of Descemet's membrane perforation in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar o efeito do uso de uma substância viscoelástica na ruptura da membrana de Descemet em casos de ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda em "bolha dupla". Métodos: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente prontuários e vídeos de cirurgias de 40 pacientes operados entre janeiro de 2014 e julho de 2015. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: 20 pacientes nos quais a parede posterior do estroma foi puncionada sem a colocação de nenhuma substância viscoelástica (grupo 1) e 20 pacientes nos quais uma substância viscoelástica foi aplicada sobre o estroma posterior ao ser puncionada a parede posterior do estroma (grupo 2). A taxa de perfuração da membrana de Descemet foi comparada entre os grupos. Resultados: Observou-se perfuração da membrana de Descemet em 12 casos (60,0%) no grupo 1 e em apenas 3 casos (15,0%) no grupo 2. Essa diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,003). Apenas um caso (5%) no grupo 2 teve macroperfuração durante o procedimento, sendo a cirurgia então convertida em uma ceratoplastia penetrante. Onze casos (55,0%) no grupo 1 tiveram macroperfuração da membrana de Descemet e essas cirurgias foram convertidas em ceratoplastias penetrantes. Essa diferença entre os grupos foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,001). Conclusões: A aplicação de substância viscoelástica sobre o lado posterior do estroma logo antes da punção é um método eficaz para diminuir o risco de perfuração da membrana de Descemet na ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda.(AU)

Múltiplas camadas na membrana de descemet / Multiple layers on the Descemet membrane

RESUMO Relato de caso não descrito na literatura oftalmológica nacional de múltiplas camadas da membrana de Descemet. Mulher de 59 anos, pseudofácica, com diagnóstico de ceratopatia bolhosa, foi submetida à ceratoplastia penetrante em olho direito, sendo encontrado achado incomum de multiplicidade de camadas da membrana de Descemet, variáveis em forma e espessura, além de corpos ovoides com coloração de metamina de prata de Gocott-Gomori (GMS) negativa. Como a membrana de Descemet tem no seu desenvolvimento um período fetal e outro pós-natal que frequentemente é bem identificável nos cortes histológicos em adultos. No caso apresentado, em que outras camadas estão presentes, há evidência de corpos esféricos que poderiam significar que a potencialidade de produzir outras camadas pode permanecer na fase adulta mais tardia.

ABSTRACT To relate a case not described previously in the national multilateral ophthalmological literature of Descemet's membrane. A 59-year-old pseudophakic woman diagnosed with bullous keratopathy underwent penetrating keratoplasty with an unusual finding of multiple layers of Descemet's membrane, which were variable in shape and thickness. In addition, ovoid bodies with negative Gocott-Gomori (GMS) color were present. Discussion and Conclusion: As Descemet's membrane has a fetal and a postnatal period in its development, it is frequently and well identifiable in histological sections in adults. In the case presented, in which other layers are present, there is evidence of spherical bodies that could mean that the potential to produce other layers may remain into later adulthood.