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Translaminar Autonomous System Model for the Modulation of Intraocular and Intracranial Pressure in Human Donor Posterior Segments
Published on: April 24, 2020
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Elevated intraocular pressure in patients with acromegaly
Luciano Quaranta1, Ivano Riva, Gherardo Mazziotti
1Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy, luciano.quaranta@unibs.it.
Summary
Acromegaly patients show thicker corneas and higher intraocular pressure (IOP). This increased corneal thickness may falsely elevate IOP measurements, impacting glaucoma diagnosis in acromegaly.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Corneal Physiology
Background:
- Acromegaly, a disorder caused by excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), can affect various organs.
- Ocular manifestations in acromegaly are not well-defined, particularly concerning corneal and intraocular pressure parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in acromegalic patients.
- To investigate the correlation between CCT, IOP, and serum GH/IGF-1 levels in acromegaly.
- To determine if acromegaly influences IOP measurements independent of CCT.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of acromegalic patients underwent comprehensive endocrinological and ophthalmological assessments.
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured using ultrasonic pachymetry.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) was assessed via Goldmann applanation tonometry, with serum GH and IGF-1 levels analyzed.
Main Results:
- Acromegalic patients exhibited significantly higher median CCT and IOP compared to healthy controls.
- No significant correlation was found between CCT or IOP and serum GH or IGF-1 levels within the acromegalic group.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between CCT and IOP in the entire cohort, but this association diminished when IOP was corrected for CCT.
Conclusions:
- Acromegaly is associated with increased central corneal thickness.
- Elevated CCT in acromegaly may lead to an overestimation of intraocular pressure when using Goldmann applanation tonometry.
- Ophthalmologists should consider increased CCT in acromegalic patients when interpreting IOP readings to avoid misdiagnosis of glaucoma.
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