Anterior segment implantation cysts. Ultrasound biomicroscopy with histopathologic correlation.
OBJECTIVE
To correlate the clinical, histopathologic, and ultrasound biomicroscopic characteristics of anterior segment implantation cysts.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective review of 7 cases of secondary anterior segment implantation cysts. We reviewed the clinical history, visual acuity, clinical findings, and ultrasound biomicroscopic characteristics in all cases. Histopathologic correlation was possible in 4 cases.


RESULTS
Six eyes had been subjected to major trauma prior to cyst formation. Trauma was noted as blunt in 3 eyes and surgical in 3 eyes. The diagnosis was confirmed in 1 eye when conjunctival cells were aspirated on fine needle biopsy. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed large (mean +/- SD greatest diameter, 4.7 +/- 0.9 mm) cystic tumors. In 1 patient, a cyst-related indentation of the anterior lens surface was seen. Ultrasonographic evaluations of internal reflectivity revealed thick, moderately reflective cyst walls encapsulating a relatively hypoechoic core. In 3 cases, the cyst contents consisted of variably reflective material. The other 4 were completely sonolucent. Histopathologic correlation showed that the cyst walls were lined with stratified squamous epithelium. The moderately reflective cyst contents were found to be degenerated conjunctival cells with inflammatory foci and cholesterol crystals. The sonolucent regions correlated with inflammatory cells and fluid.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that implantation cysts are unilateral, large, and thick walled. They may be sonolucent or exhibit variable internal reflectivity. These findings as well as the extent of anterior segment involvement (particularly posterior extension) could be evaluated by ultrasound biomicroscopy prior to surgery.
Marigo
F A
FA
Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, USA.
Finger
P T
PT
McCormick
S A
SA
Iezzi
R
R
Esaki
K
K
Ishikawa
H
H
Seedor
J
J
Liebmann
J M
JM
Ritch
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology*; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications