In vivo confocal microscopy of iris in recessive cornea plana with anterior synechiae.

We present a case of iris synechiae visualization with utilization of laser scanning vivo confocal microscopy (LSCM) in the recessive cornea plana. Autosomal recessive cornea plana (ARCP) is characterized by a flattened corneal surface associated with hyperopia and various anterior segment anomalities such as: corneal opacity, microcornea, anterior segment synechiae and a shallow anterior chamber.[1] The diagnosis is based on clinical and keratometric findings.[2]

Case

We examined confocal microscopy in a patient with cornea plana, anterior synechiae and shallow anterior chamber [Fig. 1]. Confocal microscopy was performed with HRT III Rostock Cornea Module (Heidelberg engineering, Germany). As previously reported by Vesaluoma, the Bowmann layer was absent[3] and keratocites appeared fewer than in normal individuals. During the exam we discovered a fibrous-like trabecular structure with: ramifications, interdigitations and scattered round processes below the corneal endothelium [Figs. 2–5] that represent the iris tissue and the anterior iridocorneal synechiae.

Figure 1

Slit-lamp photograph of cornea plana with anterior synechiae. Note the underlying iris tissues were dragged toward the corneal scars (adherent leukoma)

Figure 2

An example of fibrous web-like (trabecular) structure with thin branches (white arrows) in human iris with anterior synechiae by in vivo LSCM

Figure 5

Bush-like iris structure

Discussion

Some researchers have tried to study the iris with a modified non-contact laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy (LSCM)[4] by changing the camera lens and increasing the working distance; however, the quality of images was subpair. Li et al. have reported iris ultrastructure in patients with anterior syneachiae[5] as revealed by LSCM. They found five patterns of iris ultrastructure: trunk-like, branch/bush-like, fruit-like, epithelioid-like, and deep, going from anterior to posterior. Our confocal microscopy images show four patterns of iris ultrastructure: in Figs. 2 and 3, a web-like (trabecular) structure right below the corneal endothelium might represent the fibrous scar tissue of the anterior border layer of the iris synechiae [Figs. 2 and 3]. This pattern is similar to the tree-branch structure found by Li et al., but our images show much thinner, much highly reflective branches, and wider empty spaces. Scattered round processes are visible and might represent pigment agglomerates. We were able to detect a deeper trunk [Fig. 4] and branch/bush-like [Fig. 5] structures as reported by Li et al.

Figure 3

(a and b) Trabecular structures found below the corneal endothelium with numerous pigment clumps (white arrows)

Figure 4

Trunk-like iris structure with scattered pigment clumps. Note the support structure with thick arrangement (arrow)

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found a new trabecular structure right below the corneal endothelium [Figs. 2 and 3] that has never been seen in literature. This structure may represent the true synechiae between the anterior border layer iris and the corneal endothelium. While the images displayed by Li et al. show normal iris ultrastructure, our images display the stretched and fibrous iris tissue adherent to the corneal endothelium. We were able to observe trunk-like and branch/bush-like structures at a deeper level into the iris as previously reported by Li et al. While deep structures are difficult to analyze due to limited penetration of laser light, LSCM is an excellent diagnostic tool in autosomal recessive cornea plana and offers the possibility of visualizing iris ultrastructure when anterior synechiae are present.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.