Peripheral vascular endothelial dysfunction in glaucomatocyclitic crisis: a preliminary study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Immunology

Background:

• Glaucomatocyclitic crisis (GCC) is characterized by recurrent unilateral ocular hypertension and mild cyclitis.
• Vascular endothelial function is crucial for cardiovascular health and can be assessed through flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD).
• Endothelial dysfunction is implicated in various systemic diseases, but its role in GCC is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate brachial artery endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) as a marker of vascular endothelial function in patients with GCC.
• To determine the association between GCC and endothelial dysfunction, independent of age.
• To investigate potential correlations with specific immunological markers.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 12 patients with GCC and 15 age-matched controls.
• Assessment of brachial artery FMD and endothelium-independent nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation (NMD) using high-resolution ultrasound.
• Analysis of clinical parameters including hs-CRP, homocysteine, anti-SSA, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, and HLA type.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in NMD were observed between GCC patients and controls.
• Brachial artery FMD was significantly lower in the GCC group compared to the control group (4.81% vs. 7.89%, P < 0.01).
• Two patients (16.7%) tested positive for HLA-B27, anti-SSA, and anti-cardiolipin antibodies, showing abnormal FMD.

Conclusions:

• Significantly reduced FMD in GCC patients suggests peripheral vascular endothelial dysfunction.
• The presence of HLA-B27, anti-SSA, and anti-cardiolipin antibodies may be associated with GCC and impaired FMD in a subset of patients.