Pars plana vitrectomy combined with hyaloido-zonula-iridectomy in treatment of patients with chronic aqueous misdirection: A systematic literature review and case series

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of vitrectomy combined with hyaloido-zonula-iridectomy from an anterior or a posterior approach in patients with treatment-resistant aqueous misdirection (chronic aqueous misdirection) by systematically reviewing existing literature in combination with presentation of a case series.

METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases using search terms: malignant glaucoma, ciliary block, ciliolenticular block and aqueous misdirection. A consecutive series of three pseudophakic patients (5 eyes) diagnosed with chronic aqueous misdirection after cataract surgery is presented.

RESULTS: A literature search identified 31 articles describing treatment of chronic aqueous misdirection with vitrectomy and a hyaloido-zonula-iridectomy. Studies, where patients were treated with a complete vitrectomy from pars plana in combination with a hyaloido-zonula-iridectomy, reported low relapse rates. Studies describing a surgical approach with vitrectomy performed from the anterior chamber, followed by a hyaloido-zonula-iridectomy, also reported low relapse rates except for one reporting relapse in nearly half of the patients. In our case series, a complete vitrectomy combined with a hyaloido-zonula-iridectomy resolved the chronic aqueous misdirection in all five eyes after one procedure except one eye where the hyaloido-zonula-iridectomy was repeated due to an insufficient opening. Some of the eyes still needed antiglaucomatous treatment due to chronic angle closure.

CONCLUSION: In treatment-resistant malignant glaucoma, vitrectomy combined with a hyaloido-zonula-iridectomy should be considered performed to ensure communication between the anterior chamber and the vitreous cavity. If the condition has been unresolved for a long time, extensive synechiae of the angle may decrease the success rate due to chronic angle closure.