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Confocal Microscopy Reveals Cell Surface Receptor Aggregation Through Image Correlation Spectroscopy
Published on: August 2, 2018
Confocal microscopy in the iridocorneal endothelial syndrome
A G Chiou1, S C Kaufman, R W Beuerman
1Louisiana State University Eye Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 26, 1999
Summary
Confocal microscopy reveals epithelioid changes in iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome, identifying epithelial-like endothelial cells with prominent nuclei. This technique aids diagnosis, especially when corneal edema hinders specular microscopy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Diseases
- Microscopy
Background:
- Iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome is a spectrum of disorders affecting the iris and cornea.
- Diagnosis often relies on characteristic findings from specular microscopy.
Observation:
- Real-time, white light confocal microscopy was used to examine three patients with ICE syndrome.
- Corneal edema in one patient precluded specular microscopy, highlighting the need for alternative imaging.
Findings:
- Confocal microscopy revealed abnormal, epithelial-like endothelial cells with prominent, hyperreflective nuclei in all patients.
- Histological examination confirmed multilayered endothelial cells with epithelial features.
- Specular microscopy showed typical dark/light reversal in two patients, but was limited by corneal edema in one.
Implications:
- Confocal microscopy offers a valuable diagnostic tool for ICE syndrome, particularly in cases with corneal edema.
- The technique visualizes characteristic epithelioid changes in the corneal endothelium.
- This imaging modality enhances the understanding and diagnosis of ICE syndrome.
