title: [Clinical pathological study of the anterior lens capsule abnormalities in familial congenital aniridia with cataract].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To observe the pathological changes of the lens and anterior lens capsule of the patients with familial congenital aniridia, and discuss the histopathological etiology of the fragility of the anterior capsule and the significance of surgical project.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anterior lens capsules and lens specimens were obtained from aniridic patients during cataract surgery. The intraoperative behavior of each capsule was noted, after which the specimens were submitted for histopathologic evaluation and electron microscope examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The anterior lens capsule was extremely fragile and remarkably thin. Degenerative changes(degeneration, necrosis, loss) of the lens epithelium and discontinuity of the lens epithelium were found in some specimens. Proliferation and double layer of the epithelial cells in some area of the specimens can be seen also. Ply structure of the anterior capsule became thin or disappeared.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Degenerative or proliferative changes of the lens epithelial cells were associated with the thinness and extreme intraperative fragility of the anterior lens capsules in familial aniridia with cataract. Greater awareness of anterior capsule fragility in some aniridic patients with cataract may reduce the risk of capsule complications and lead to safer surgical outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Peking University Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100083, China.
authors.forename: Zhi-qiang
authors.initials: ZQ
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: Yan-sheng
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Hao
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Zhi-zhong
authors.initials: ZZ
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Yan-feng
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.forename: Shu-juan
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Song
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015783:Aniridia / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008875:Middle Aged; D010375:Pedigree