Malignant glaucoma. Clinical and ultrasound biomicroscopic features.
OBJECTIVE
To determine conditions associated with malignant glaucoma and to assess anterior segment structures in malignant glaucoma using ultrasound biomicroscopy.


METHODS
Over a 3-year period, 14 eyes from 14 patients with malignant glaucoma were evaluated.


RESULTS
Of the 14 eyes, 7 received medical therapy alone and 7 required both medical and surgical intervention. Predisposing factors included trabeculectomy in 12 eyes, chronic angle-closure glaucoma in 10, sudden ocular decompression in 2 (1 from suture lysis and 1 from corneal perforation), pseudoexfoliation in 4, and cessation of aqueous suppressants and cycloplegics in 2. Ultrasound biomicroscopy of two eyes showed a shallow supraciliary fluid level, anterior rotation of ciliary processes, and obstruction of the trabeculectomy osteum.


CONCLUSIONS
Malignant glaucoma is associated with glaucoma surgery, chronic angle-closure glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation, sudden ocular decompression, and cessation of aqueous suppressants. On ultrasound biomicroscopy, a low supraciliary fluid level was found in two patients.
Trope
G E
GE
Department of Ophthalmology, Toronto Hospital, University of Toronto.
Pavlin
C J
CJ
Bau
A
A
Baumal
C R
CR
Foster
F S
FS
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D015812:Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014130:Trabeculectomy; D014463:Ultrasonography