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A Case of Refractory Childhood Glaucoma Associated With Sturge-Weber Syndrome Treated With Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant

Wakako Imamura1, Akira Matsuda1, Akira Hirota1

  • 1Division of Ophthalmology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, nihon-u.ac.jp.

Case Reports in Ophthalmological Medicine
|January 12, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This case study details treating refractory childhood glaucoma in a Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) patient with a Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI). Careful management is crucial to avoid complications like retinal detachment post-surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Glaucoma Management
  • Vascular Anomalies

Background:

  • Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) can cause refractory childhood glaucoma.
  • Previous surgeries included trabeculotomies and vitrectomy for complications.
  • The patient presented with severe intraocular pressure (30 mmHg) despite maximal medical therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the clinical course of refractory childhood glaucoma in a patient with SWS.
  • To evaluate the use of Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) in this complex case.
  • To highlight potential complications and management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A 14-year-old male with SWS received a Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI).
  • Conservative management was initiated for postoperative complications.
  • Intraocular pressure was monitored closely.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed extensive serous retinal and choroidal detachments on postoperative day 9.
  • These detachments resolved within 8 days with conservative therapy.
  • The complication was potentially linked to SWS-related choroidal hemangioma and episcleral venous pressure.

Conclusions:

  • Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) can be used for refractory childhood glaucoma in SWS.
  • Close monitoring for complications like serous detachments is essential.
  • Avoiding postoperative hypotony is critical in managing secondary childhood glaucoma associated with SWS.

Keywords:
Baerveldt glaucoma implantSturge–Weber syndromechildhood glaucomadiffuse choroidal hemangiomapostoperative hypotony

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