[Clinical pathological study of the anterior lens capsule abnormalities in familial congenital aniridia with cataract].
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.
Hou
Zhi-qiang
ZQ
Peking University Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100083, China.
Hao
Yan-sheng
YS
Wang
Wei
W
Ma
Zhi-zhong
ZZ
Zhong
Yan-feng
YF
Song
Shu-juan
SJ
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