Malignant glaucoma. Clinical and ultrasound biomicroscopic features.

PURPOSE: To determine conditions associated with malignant glaucoma and to assess anterior segment structures in malignant glaucoma using ultrasound biomicroscopy.

METHODS: Over a 3-year period, 14 eyes from 14 patients with malignant glaucoma were evaluated.

RESULTS: Of the 14 eyes, 7 received medical therapy alone and 7 required both medical and surgical intervention. Predisposing factors included trabeculectomy in 12 eyes, chronic angle-closure glaucoma in 10, sudden ocular decompression in 2 (1 from suture lysis and 1 from corneal perforation), pseudoexfoliation in 4, and cessation of aqueous suppressants and cycloplegics in 2. Ultrasound biomicroscopy of two eyes showed a shallow supraciliary fluid level, anterior rotation of ciliary processes, and obstruction of the trabeculectomy osteum.

CONCLUSIONS: Malignant glaucoma is associated with glaucoma surgery, chronic angle-closure glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation, sudden ocular decompression, and cessation of aqueous suppressants. On ultrasound biomicroscopy, a low supraciliary fluid level was found in two patients.