Silvio DI Staso1, Luca Agnifili2, Angela DI Gregorio1, Hilary Climastone1, Emilio Galassi1, Vincenzo Fasanella2, Marco Ciancaglini3. 1. Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. 2. Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy. 3. Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy marco.ciancaglini@cc.univaq.it.
Abstract
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. Copyright
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 glaucomatouspatients 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. Copyright
Authors: M Ciancaglini; P Carpineto; L Agnifili; M Nubile; V Fasanella; P A Mattei; L Mastropasqua Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 2009-06-30 Impact factor: 4.638
Authors: Silvio DI Staso; Luca Agnifili; Sara Cecannecchia; Angela DI Gregorio; Marco Ciancaglini Journal: In Vivo Date: 2018 Mar-Apr Impact factor: 2.155