Phacoemulsification versus Combined Phacotrabeculectomy in Closed-Angle Patients with Re-Elevated Intraocular Pressure after Peripheral Iridotomy

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical courses between phacoemulsification (PE) and PE with combined trabeculectomy (phacotrabeculectomy, PETL) in closed-angle patients with re-elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI). METHODS: Closed-angle patients whose IOP re-elevated between 19 and 38 mm Hg after LPI were included. Medical records of 26 patients in the PE group and 21 patients in the PETL group who were followed for more than 12 months after surgery were reviewed for clinical course. RESULTS: The IOP courses after surgery showed no statistical difference during the study period except at 1 and 7 days after surgery, in which IOP in the PETL group were lower than that in the PE group. The number of anti-glaucoma drugs also showed no significant difference except at 6 months, when the number was greater in the PE group. Success rates for IOP below 18 mm Hg at 3 years were 96.2% in the PE group, higher than the 69.8% in the PETL group (Log Rank test, p = 0.015). Postoperative complications were found in 2 patients in the PE group and in 8 patients in the PETL group (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that PE is a viable surgical alternative to PETL in closed-angle patients who have mildly re-elevated IOP after LPI.

A Case of Endogenous Aspergillus Endophthalmitis Associated with Mycotic Cerebral Aneurysm

PURPOSE: To report a case of a endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis associated with mycotic cerebral aneurysmal rupture. CASE SUMMARY: A 51-year-old woman was referred to our retina clinic for decreased visual acuity in the left eye. The patient had previously undergone a liver transplant for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. On fundus examination, vitreous opacities with a yellowish-white subretinal abscess were observed. There were no abnormal findings except the positive sign in the laboratory serum Aspergillus antigen test performed on admission. Based on the suspicion of endogenous endophthalmitis, pars plana vitrectomy was performed with intravitreal antibiotics injection to treat fungal and bacterial infections. There was no growth in either the vitreous or anterior chamber culture. After vitrectomy, visual acuity improved and the inflammation subsided. However, by the three-week follow-up, acute-onset left hemiplegia with a right hemisphere cerebral hemorrhage had occurred. Cerebral magnetic resonance angiography showed multiple mycotic aneurysms characterized by a large and fusiform appearance. The patient was treated with neuro-embolization and was stabilized with minimal sequalae. CONCLUSIONS: Although the immunocompromised endophthalmitis patient can be treated using proper management, brain lesions such as mycotic aneurysm may exist and should be carefully considered.