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. 2016 Jul 29;10:1453–1459. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S112166

A review of the role of ultrasound biomicroscopy in glaucoma associated with rare diseases of the anterior segment

Giuseppe Mannino 1, Barmak Abdolrahimzadeh 2, Silvia Calafiore 1, Gianmario Anselmi 1, Cristina Mannino 1, Alessandro Lambiase 3,✉
PMCID: PMC4975163  PMID: 27536058

Abstract

Ultrasound biomicroscopy is a non-invasive imaging technique, which allows high-resolution evaluation of the anatomical features of the anterior segment of the eye regardless of optical media transparency. This technique provides diagnostically significant information in vivo for the cornea, anterior chamber, chamber angle, iris, posterior chamber, zonules, ciliary body, and lens, and is of great value in assessment of the mechanisms of glaucoma onset. The purpose of this paper is to review the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy in the diagnosis and management of rare diseases of the anterior segment such as mesodermal dysgenesis of the neural crest, iridocorneal endothelial syndrome, phakomatoses, and metabolic disorders.

Keywords: glaucoma, rare diseases, ultrasound biomicroscopy, neural crest, iridocorneal syndrome, phakomatoses, metabolic disorders

Introduction

Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a high-resolution technique, which allows in vivo assessment of the structures of the anterior segment of the eye.1,2 Cross-sectional images of ocular structures are obtained at microscopic resolution. The commercially available transducers used in obtaining high-frequency B-scan ultrasonography images with an immersion technique operate between 35 and 50 MHz. Thus, images of the structural features of the ocular anterior segment are obtained to a depth of about 4 mm and an axial and lateral resolution of approximately 25 and 50 microns, respectively.3,4

The technique is non-invasive and efficient regardless of the clarity of the optical media and it can be performed in children with no complications.5 The internal acoustic characteristics of UBM, aided by the very fine backscatter speckle patterns at the frequencies used, permit differentiation of tissue.2 Pathologies behind anterior segment opacities can be imaged in detail with a wide gray scale that provides quantitative and qualitative information. Furthermore, UBM imaging has the capability to define relationships between the various structures of the anterior segment such as anterior chamber and angle, iris, posterior chamber, zonules, ciliary body, and lens, and is very useful in understanding the dynamics behind glaucoma.6–8 UBM visualizes structures, which are not easily accessible by conventional clinical examination and provides valuable additional information on the mechanisms of disease.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is also used to study anterior segment structures. AS-OCT enables the acquisition of high-resolution cross-sectional images using low-coherence interferometry and infrared light, however it is not recommended for the study of the ciliary body because the pigmented layer of the iris does not allow transmission of infrared light.9 UBM enables the visualization of the peripheral iris, ciliary body, and even the anterior choroid, and may be used to investigate the mechanisms of angle closure glaucoma in plateau iris, ciliary effusion syndrome, lens subluxation syndrome, and ciliary body cysts and tumors. The drawback of UBM is the necessity of direct contact with the eye as opposed to the non-contact, rapid technique involved in AS-OCT imaging.10

This paper is focused on UBM findings in glaucoma occurring in rare diseases with a brief review of the various clinical applications.

Methods of UBM imaging

We have been involved in UBM imaging since 1996 at the University of Rome “Sapienza” both in the clinical management of patients and in research with an average number of 5,000 examinations. We have studied the UBM features in 48 patients with rare diseases of the anterior segment. We initially operated the Humphrey-Zeiss model 840 (San Leandro, CA, USA) (50 MHz) and presently use the Optikon HiScan Touch (Rome, Italy) (35–50 MHz) UBM system. Our method of examination is as follows: the patient is placed in a supine position and following topical anesthesia with benoxinate hydrochloride 0.4% drops, the eyelids are held open with a water-filled scleral shell and methylcellulose used as coupling agent. High-frequency scans are taken, radial and parallel to the limbus at various positions. The exam can be easily performed in an office setting and has an approximate duration of 10 minutes per eye. Cooperative children can be examined with this method in an office setting when there is a physician with broad experience with UBM. In case of infants below 2 years of age and uncooperative patients, the examination may have to be performed using general anesthesia in the operating room.

Clinical applications of UBM

UBM is a valid imaging method for the study of the cornea, anterior chamber, iridocorneal angle, iris, zonules, ciliary body, and the crystalline lens. Pavlin et al and Pavlin and Foster carried out the earliest studies with UBM of the anterior segment in glaucoma to investigate the etiology and mechanisms of disease in different subtypes of glaucoma.6,7 There is a large body of literature on UBM applications in glaucoma, where detailed assessment of the anterior segment, and the relationship between the peripheral iris and angle structures have been evaluated.

UBM has been used in the evaluation of cysts of the anterior segment, ciliary body, and the pars plana. Indeed, the entire anterior chamber, and the effect of the iris and/or ciliary body cysts on narrowing of the chamber angle in correspondence to the cysts can be assessed.11–14 Furthermore, UBM can measure iris and/or ciliary body cyst dimensions, anterior chamber depth, angle aperture, and trabecular-iris angle. It is also possible to differentiate between cystic and solid formations, and to assess tumor extension. In particular, cysts appear as lesions with a thin cyst wall and no solid components.

Anterior segment tumors can be studied with UBM, which gives valuable information on the extension of pigmented lesions or malignant melanoma from the iris to the ciliary body. 6,15–17

UBM has also been used in evaluating the cornea in dystrophies, scars, and following excimer laser photokeratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis.18–21 UBM allows evaluation of intraocular lens implants and can detect nuclear fragments behind the iris following complicated cataract surgery.22 Furthermore, with the advent of intravitreal injections and steroid implants in various pathologies, it is a useful tool to evaluate complications such as injection or migration of implants in the anterior segment.23–25

UBM and glaucoma

The studies of Pavlin in primary angle closure glaucoma included plateau iris syndrome and pupillary block.6,7 Examination of narrow angles in mydriasis induced by scotopic conditions can show possible appositional angle closure.26 In glaucoma with pupillary block, the pressure in the posterior chamber is higher compared to the anterior chamber because aqueous humor cannot flow past the pupil. UBM demonstrates bending forward of the entire iris with a clearly visible and well formed posterior chamber.27 The mechanism of glaucoma in plateau iris syndrome is shown with UBM as closure of the sulcus and an anterior placement of the ciliary processes. Indeed, in this form of glaucoma the ciliary body is larger and is placed in an anterior position; this causes an impairment of aqueous outflow because of compression of the iridocorneal angle.6 UBM examination in pseudo-exfoliation syndrome shows a flattened anterior chamber, and the crystalline lens has been reported to be thicker in affected eyes, most probably due to zonular defects which are shown by UBM as zonular remnants attached to the lens capsule.16,28,29 The mechanism of pigmentary glaucoma involves difficulty in trabecular outflow due to dispersion of pigment from the iris. In this condition UBM shows iris concavity. In patients with pseudophakia, UBM can help to determine the mechanism of pupillary block glaucoma. UBM is also an important method of imaging in glaucoma surgery and has a central role in the follow-up of patients regarding the filtering bleb and Schlemm’s canal.30,31

Measurement of the anterior segment structures with UBM is important in classifying various types of angle closure and open angle glaucoma.32 Common biometric parameters that are used in describing the anterior chamber are “angle opening index”, “angle recess area”, “trabecular-iris space area”, and “trabecular-ciliary process area”.33 These values aid in the establishment of reproducible values for classifying the various subtypes of glaucoma.

Primary congenital glaucoma

UBM allows assessment of the anterior segment morphology, and the diagnosis of primary congenital glaucoma can be established, especially in patients with opaque corneas, and in infants younger than 2 years. Clinical features of primary congenital glaucoma include: increased axial length, thin cornea with larger diameter, deep anterior chamber, narrow posterior chamber, reduced iris thickness, wide anterior chamber angle, absence of iris crypts, possible anterior iris insertion or abnormal angle membrane, and ciliary process abnormalities.34–38 UBM usually reveals the absence of iris crypts, which is probably caused by lack of iris sphincter and dilator muscle, although uveal and neuroepithelial layers are preserved.39 UBM can also demonstrate elongated and tight ciliary processes near the posterior surface of the iris, sometimes occluding the ciliary sulcus. At times a thin hyperreflective membrane that covers angle structures can be visible (Barkan’s membrane).40

Secondary glaucoma can be a complication of an array of rare diseases classified in the following groups: conditions with mesodermal dysgenesis of the neural crest, iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome, phakomatoses, and metabolic disorders. In these cases UBM can play an important role in identifying the anterior segment alterations associated with glaucoma.41

Glaucoma in mesodermal dysgenesis of the neural crest

The migration of neural crest cells leads to the formation of many structural components of the ocular anterior segment, including corneal endothelium, keratocytes, iris stroma, melanocytes, and the trabecular meshwork.42 Thus, an abnormal maturation of neuroectodermal cells can lead to various syndromes involving the anterior segment. The Axenfeld–Rieger anomaly, Peter’s anomaly, iris hypoplasia or aniridia, and congenital glaucoma, can arise due to developmental arrest or an altered migration of neural crest cells at a late stage of pregnancy.42,43

Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome is an autosomal-dominant condition associated with mutations of PITX2, FOXC1 shown with genetic analysis. In this syndrome glaucoma is present in 50% of patients. The pathogenesis is characterized by atypical maturation of neuroectodermal cells but an altered primordial endothelial cell layer causing chamber angle anomalies has also been suggested.41 Histological sections have revealed malformations of Schlemm’s canal and the trabecular meshwork, these alterations coincide with the UBM features of a prominent or anterior positioned Schwalbe’s line.42 Other characteristic UBM features seen in this condition are iridocorneal fiber filaments, high insertion of the iris into the posterior part of the trabecular meshwork, peripheral anterior synechiae, and atrophic iris (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Ultrasound biomicroscopy image using the Humphrey-Zeiss model 840, (San Leandro, CA, USA [50 MHz]) showing a case of Axenfeld–Rieger anomaly.

Notes: The anterior chamber structures present keratoirido-lenticular contacts. Anterior synechiae are clearly revealed (arrow heads). The ciliary body appears adherent to the posterior iris surface (arrow).

Pathogenesis in other conditions such as Peter’s anomaly, aniridia or iris hypoplasia, sclerocornea, and megalocornea is linked to an abnormal anterior chamber angle leading to impaired aqueous humor drainage.42 Sclerocornea is a rare condition characterized by extension of sclera, conjunctival tissue, and episcleral tissue into the clear cornea, which leads to opacification. Typical findings are hyper-reflectivity of the cornea, flattened cornea with thickening of the peripheral cornea and central posterior excavation caused by involved posterior stroma, Descemet’s membrane and endothelium, and an abnormal Bowman’s layer which is frequently replaced by irregular hyaline material. A number of histological features are correlated to UBM findings in sclerocornea (Figure 2).6

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Ultrasound biomicroscopy image using the Humphrey-Zeiss model 840 (San Leandro, CA, USA [50 MHz]) showing a case of sclerocornea with corneal thickening, irregular morphology, and internal hyper-reflectivity.

Notes: The anterior chamber appears shallow. Reproduced with permission from Mannino G, Papale A, De Bella F. Biomicroscopia ad ultrasuoni [Ultrasound biomicroscopy]. Fabiano Editore; 2004.2

Aniridia can be sporadic or inherited, PAX6 gene mutations have been shown in non-syndromic aniridia with autosomal dominant inheritance and familial occurrence.44–46 The typical UBM feature is a bilateral absence of most of the iris tissue or iris hypoplasia.47 Associated ocular features include cataract, attached persistent papillary membrane strands, corectopia, glaucoma, and corneal opacification (Axenfeld–Rieger anomaly).42 UBM imaging can detect extremely tiny irises in all eyes with aniridia, furthermore, in eyes with aniridia a significantly smaller ciliary body length, ciliary body thickness, and iris root thickness have been shown compared to normal eyes (Figure 3).47

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Ultrasound biomicroscopy image using the Humphrey-Zeiss model 840 (San Leandro, CA, USA [50 MHz]) showing an eye with aniridia.

Notes: The presence of an incomplete iris is shown with arrows. Reproduced with permission from Mannino G, Papale A, De Bella F. Biomicroscopia ad ultrasuoni [Ultrasound biomicroscopy]. Fabiano Editore; 2004.2

Marfan syndrome and Weill–Marchesani syndrome are very rare systemic diseases that are due to anomalies of connective tissue.48 The main ocular anomalies are microspherophakia, ectopia lentis, glaucoma, and myopia. UBM in the Marfan syndrome and microspherophakia shows areas where the zonules are absent and the lens is dislocated, associated with flattening of the ciliary body in the areas of missing zonules.48 Other UBM signs of spherophakia are an elongation of the zonules and an increased sphericity of the lens. Anterior zonular fibers are normally less than 1 mm long, while in spherophakia cases the length can be more than 2 mm.49 Increased sphericity of the lens, that is associated with zonular loss or elongation, can move the iris–lens interface to a position which is anterior to the iris root causing possible pupillary block. In UBM this is shown as an anterior bowing of the iris because the pressure in the posterior chamber is higher than that of the anterior chamber.49

Glaucoma in ICE syndrome

ICE syndrome is a rare pathology characterized by corneal endothelial alterations, iris abnormalities, iridocorneal synechiae, pupillary displacement, and secondary glaucoma.50–52 ICE syndrome is classified into three clinical sub-types: progressive iris atrophy, Cogan-Reese syndrome, and Chandler’s syndrome. Various degrees of severity of iris atrophy can be detected by UBM in all forms of ICE syndrome. In mild cases, the iris is thinner than normal; in severe cases, such as in progressive iris atrophy, it can be associated with “arborised shape” of the iridocorneal angle (Figure 4).53,54 Corneal edema with Descemet layer folds is common, and clinical examination of anterior chamber may become difficult. UBM is an essential tool in the evaluation of angle changes in ICE syndrome where there is corneal edema.55 Clinical examination with both gonioscopy and UBM is useful in the characterization of peripheral anterior synechiae. Zang et al performed anterior chamber measurements with UBM which revealed peripheral anterior synechiae, and a central anterior chamber depth which was lower in patients with ICE syndrome than in normal subjects (2.25±0.32 mm versus 2.76±0.32 mm). Using UBM, these authors found that in progressive iris atrophy, peripheral anterior synechiae were less frequent, as compared to Cogan-Reese syndrome. In Chandler’s syndrome, UBM showed extensive Descemet membrane folds and corneal edema with presence of peripheral anterior synechiae.56,57 In any case, patients with ICE syndrome must always be periodically monitored with clinical examination including intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy, retina and optic nerve assessment, and visual field analysis where possible.58,59

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Ultrasound biomicroscopy image using the Humphrey-Zeiss model 840 (San Leandro, CA, USA [50 MHz]) showing essential iris atrophy.

Note: The iris is thinner than normal (arrows).

Glaucoma in phakomatoses

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance. The major ocular alterations are Lisch nodules, optic pathway gliomas, choroidal nodules, and microvascular retinal alterations.60–63 Glaucoma has been reported in 1/300 afflicted patients increasing to 23% in patients with orbital-facial involvement where glaucoma is ipsilateral to the orbital-facial alterations.64

The typical anterior segment ocular features of neurofibromatosis type 1 are Lisch nodules of the iris. They are bilateral melanocytic hamartomas on the anterior surface of the iris or in the iridocorneal angle.60 Lisch nodules are detected in UBM as surface irregularities, characterized by oval or round medium-high reflective areas. They present a similar acoustic pattern to iris nevi. The mechanisms of glaucoma onset can be due to the presence of neurofibromas or Lisch nodules obstructing the anterior chamber, the presence of cysts, increased thickness of the ciliary body and choroid, and developmental angle abnormalities. UBM can show Lisch nodules, and abnormalities of the ciliary body and chamber angle, and help in clarifying the pathogenesis of glaucoma.64–66

The Sturge–Weber syndrome and its variants such as the Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome are frequently associated with glaucoma. In about 60% of cases with glaucoma the cause is due to anterior chamber abnormalities, which can be assessed with UBM examination, while in approximately 40% of cases of glaucoma the cause is raised episcleral venous pressure.67,68 Clinical examination and UBM in a patient with Sturge–Weber syndrome showed supraciliary effusion of 360 degrees, and dilated superficial and intrascleral vessels with an open angle supporting the hypothesis of raised episcleral venous pressure in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.69 Patients with phakomatoses and especially Sturge–Weber syndrome and its variants require routine clinical follow-up for glaucoma, which can sometimes be difficult due to the young age of patients and lack of cooperation. Visual field examination can be challenging but can improve with age and learning, and the recent advent of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer analysis with OCT, as an early indicator of retinal nerve fiber layer loss, can be helpful in monitoring disease.70–72

The pathogenesis of glaucoma occurring in 10% of patients with oculodermal melanocytosis may be developmental or congenital, or associated with pigmentary changes as in melanocytic glaucoma.73,74 Phakomatosis pigmentovascularis is when oculodermal melanocytosis occurs together with the Sturge–Weber or Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome and glaucoma has been reported in all afflicted patients.75,76 The mechanism of glaucoma associated with pigment dispersion was first described by Pavlin et al77 and involves difficulty in trabecular outflow due to dispersion of pigment from the iris and is characterized by iris concavity in UBM.16

Glaucoma in metabolic disorders

Mucopolysaccharidosis, Lowe syndrome, and classical homocystinuria are rare metabolic syndromes, which can lead to secondary glaucoma. The pathogenesis of glaucoma can be congenital, or in the case of homocystinuria, can also be due to zonular abnormalities, ectopia lentis, and angle abnormalities.78,79 The use of UBM in these conditions can give detailed information on the anterior segment structures including the cornea, zonules, chamber angle, and the lens. In a case report on a rare case of mucopolysaccharidosis where corneal clouding did not allow appropriate clinical examination, UBM imaging showed corneal deposits and thickening of the corneal periphery and was fundamental in the follow-up of disease progression.80

Conclusion

UBM is a valuable imaging technique for the detailed examination of the anatomical features and structures of the anterior segment of the eye, especially in the context of opacity of the anterior structures, which can greatly limit conventional clinical examination.

In the management of glaucoma, UBM is an important tool that greatly assists the ophthalmologist in the identification of the pathologic mechanisms associated with open angle, angle closure and other sub-types of glaucoma. In glaucoma associated with rare diseases of the anterior segment, such as mesodermal dysgenesis of the neural crest, ICE syndrome, phakomatoses, and metabolic disorders, UBM is especially useful as it provides valuable information on the cornea, anterior chamber, chamber angle, iris, ciliary body, zonules, and lens, allowing a complete assessment of the ocular structures.

Footnotes

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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