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Ganciclovir intraocular implant. A clinicopathologic study
1Department of Ophthalmology, New York University Medical Center, USA.
Ophthalmology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
This study details the histopathology of intraocular ganciclovir implants for cytomegalovirus retinitis. Methylmethacrylate embedding preserves ocular anatomy, revealing implant placement and localized inflammation, informing surgical technique to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Histopathology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis treatment involves intraocular sustained-release ganciclovir implants.
- Previous histopathologic studies were limited by device removal, destroying anatomical context.
- Standard processing methods are incompatible with hard plastic implants.
Observation:
- Four eyes with intraocular ganciclovir implants were processed using methylmethacrylate embedding.
- Globes were fixed, embedded in methylmethacrylate, sectioned, and stained.
- This technique preserved the precise anatomical relationship between the implant and ocular tissues.
Findings:
- Implants were found to be either totally intravitreal or partially subconjunctival.
- Fibrous tissue from a surgical coloboma supported the implants.
- Focal granulomatous inflammation occurred near implant materials, but no other adverse effects were observed.
Implications:
- This is the first report on the intraocular histopathology of ganciclovir implants.
- Trimming the suture tab can prevent subconjunctival placement and reduce endophthalmitis risk.
- Methylmethacrylate embedding is valuable for studying intraocular devices.