Abstract
Purpose::
To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in describing the characteristics of the donator-receptor interphase after penetrating keratoplasty (PK).
Methods::
Prospective, descriptive, transversal study, from July to October of 2006. We included patients with keratoconus or any other corneal pathology who underwent penetrating keratoplasty. We integrated two groups, which were classified: Group 1 ectasias and Group 2 any other corneal pathology, both with a period of at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up. Evaluation with UBM was performed in both groups at different clockwise meridians: MIII, MIX and MVI, through pictures and images in vivo with the ultrasound biomicroscope (Paradigm Medical Industries, Inc., Salt Lake City UT). We analyzed the donor-receptor junction in 3 main layers: epithelium, stroma and endothelial layers and we classified them in different patterns.
Results::
We included 14 eyes of 13 patients (9 male and 4 female) mean age 27 years old; forty-two pictures were obtained, twenty-seven in Group 1 and fifteen in Group 2. In the epithelium-stroma union, the vertical pattern was found more frequently (44.4%) followed by oblique pattern (33.3%) in Group 1. Oblique pattern in Group 2 was the most frequent pattern (46.6%) followed by the vertical pattern (40%). The linear pattern was the most common in the endothelial union in both groups, 51.85% in group 1 and 80% in Group 2, in second place the thickened pattern in group 1 and notch-like in group 2.
Conclusions::
We propose a new classification of the donor-receptor interphase after PK by UBM with the following patterns: a) junction of epithelium and stroma; 1. Vertical, 2. Oblique and 3. hinge. B) endothelial junction: 1. step-like, 2.notch-like, 3. thickened, and 4.lineal.
Clinical Trial::
Hospital Nuestra Señora de la Luz, IAP
Keywords: wound healing • cornea: clinical science • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)