Feasibility and Outcome of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Complex Anterior Segment and Vitreous Disease. Issue 11 (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weller, Julia M.; Tourtas, Theofilos; Kruse, Friedrich E.
• Is Part Of: Cornea. Volume 34:Issue 11(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty -- irido-corneo-endothelial syndrome -- aphakia -- subluxation of intraocular lens; Cornea -- Periodicals; Cornea -- Periodicals; Cornée -- Périodiques; 617.719
• DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000000625
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-3740

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is becoming the method of choice for treating Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. We investigated whether DMEK can serve as a routine procedure in endothelial decompensation even in complex preoperative situations. Methods: Of a total of 1184 DMEK surgeries, 24 consecutive eyes with endothelial decompensation and complex preoperative situations were retrospectively analyzed and divided into 5 groups: group 1: irido-corneo-endothelial syndrome (n = 3), group 2: aphakia, subluxated posterior chamber intraocular lens or anterior chamber intraocular lens (n = 6), group 3: DMEK after trabeculectomy (n = 4), group 4: DMEK with simultaneous intravitreal injection (n = 6), and group 5: DMEK after vitrectomy (n = 5). Main outcome parameters were best-corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, rebubbling rate, and graft failure rate. Results: Best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR) increased from 0.98 to 0.53 ( P = 0.002), 0.53 ( P = 0.091), and 0.57 ( P = 0.203) after 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Central corneal thickness decreased from 731 ± 170 to 546 ± 152 μm ( P = 0.001), 514 ± 66 μm ( P = 0.932), and 554 ± 98 μm ( P = 0.004) after 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Donor endothelial cell density decreased from 2478 ± 185 to 1454 ± 193/mm 2 ( P < 0.001), 1301 ± 298/mm 2 ( P = 0.241), and 1374 ± 261/mm 2 ( P = 0.213), after 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The rebubbling rate was 46% (11/24). Four patients (17%) had secondary graft failure. Conclusions: Our data provide evidence that DMEK is feasible for the treatment of endothelial decompensation in complex preoperative situations. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.