Primary acute angle-closure glaucoma complicating ciliochoroidal detachment: report of four cases and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To describe the ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and B-scan ultrasonography findings and therapeutic approach for ciliochoroidal detachment secondary to acute primary angle-closure glaucoma (APACG) in four patients. We also reviewed the literature.

METHODS: Case report and systematic literature review.

RESULTS: The four patients were referred to our department for further management of APACG. The UBM and B-scan ultrasonography examinations were conducted 2 days after the beginning of medical treatment and demonstrated ciliochoroidal detachment in four eyes of the four patients. The patients all received intravenous infusion of corticosteroid therapy (10 mg dexamethasone once daily for 5-7 days). We reviewed the UBM findings, which confirmed that the ciliochoroidal detachment disappeared. The patients then underwent trabeculectomy combined with peripheral iridotomy surgery. The patients all ultimately recovered very well.

CONCLUSION: APACG with ciliochoroidal detachment is rare and has hidden clinical manifestations, and the pathophysiological mechanism is not yet fully understood. Anti-glaucoma surgery may increase the detachment. UBM and B-scan ultrasounds are useful tools for ciliochoroidal detachment diagnosis in APACG patients before operative treatment.