RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Three-dimensional Laser Scanning Confocal Analysis of Conjunctival Microcysts in Glaucomatous Patients Before and After Trabeculectomy
JF In Vivo
JO In Vivo
FD International Institute of Anticancer Research
SP 1081
OP 1088
VO 31
IS 6
A1 DI STASO, SILVIO
A1 AGNIFILI, LUCA
A1 DI GREGORIO, ANGELA
A1 CLIMASTONE, HILARY
A1 GALASSI, EMILIO
A1 FASANELLA, VINCENZO
A1 CIANCAGLINI, MARCO
YR 2017
UL http://iv.iiarjournals.org/content/31/6/1081.abstract
AB Background/Aim: In glaucoma, conjunctival epithelial microcysts (CEM) have been extensively investigated by means of laser scanning confocal microscopy. In the present case series, we examined eight glaucomatous patients undergoing trabeculectomy to obtain a 3-dimensional (3-D) characterization of CEM. Materials and Methods: Image acquisition was performed in z-scan automatic volume mode by Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III/Rostock Cornea Module and a series of 40 images of 300×300 μm (384×384 pixels) to a maximum depth of 40 μm were acquired throughout the upper bulbar conjunctiva before (at the site planned for surgery) and eight weeks after trabeculectomy. The 3-D volume tissue reconstruction with maximal size of 300×300×40 μm was obtained. Results: In the enface view, CEM appeared as empty, optically clear, round or oval shaped sub-epithelial structures. The 3-D spatial reconstruction showed microcysts as oval-shaped and optically clear elements, which were close, but clearly separated from the epithelium. CEM were embedded in the extra-cellular spaces and located about 10 μm below the epithelial surface. After trabeculectomy, CEM increased density and area especially along the horizontal axis. Conclusion: The 3-D in vivo confocal reconstruction of CEM permits for better clarification of their microscopic anatomy and patho-physiological significance, confirming their involvement in AH flow through the bleb-wall after filtration surgery for glaucoma.