Acute and chronic fluid misdirection syndrome: pathophysiology and treatment

The fluid misdirection syndrome is a rare clinical condition characterized by an axially very shallow anterior chamber with the absence of suprachoroidal effusion or hemorrhage and no noticeable pathology of the iris–lens diaphragm. It usually occurs during uneventful phacoemulsification particularly in hyperopic eyes [3]. It is probably underreported; anecdotally, many surgeons admit having experienced it occasionally. The common theme is that it manifests toward the end of irrigation/aspiration (I/A), making the completion of I/A or the insertion of an intraocular lens impossible because of flat anterior chamber. The accumulation of fluid in the posterior segment engenders increase in posterior pressure, resulting in anterior displacement of the iris–lens diaphragm, axial and peripheral anterior chamber flattening, and secondary angle closure. The severity of this condition was underlined by using the name acute intraoperative rock-hard eye syndrome.

The integrity of the posterior chamber (PC)–anterior hyaloid membrane (AHM) barrier during phacoemulsification has been thoroughly evaluated ex vivo through contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and in the Miyake–Apple view on porcine eyes [38, 39]. Prolonged irrigation and deflation/inflation of the anterior chamber are risk factors of AHM detachment, while hydrodissection is associated with an AHM tear [38]. Furthermore, ocular viscosurgical devices (OVD) with higher molecular weight or higher concentration of sodium hyaluronate predisposed the eye to an increased risk of PC-AHM impairment during hydrodissection [39].

In vivo, breaking the PC–AHM barrier is extricated by the residual cortical fiber irrigation maneuver. It is excessive irrigation which forces fluids into the PC, thus, the term of infusion misdirection syndrome or intraoperative fluid misdirection has been suggested [4, 6]. The narrow flow is usually generated by a 27G straight or curved hydrodissection cannula tip. However, it might take place during I/A with a typical irrigation probe, or phacoemulsification at the time of removing the last remaining nuclear pieces. It might be noticeable that the posterior capsule is flaccid — bulging or billowing forward [4]. Lau et al. [3] claim that higher levels of anterior chamber irrigation might be a risk factor.

Miscellaneous routes for balanced salt solution entering the anterior vitreous or Berger’s space have been described. Obviously, a radial extension of capsulorhexis might enable direct access of fluid into the retrocapsular space [4]. In these mild cases, administration of OVD into the anterior chamber might be possible, as well as dry aspiration of retrocapsular fluid [5]. Presumably, if irrigation is performed anteriorly to the anterior capsular flap, fluid could more easily make its way through the zonules.

In intact capsules, the zonular dehiscence may enable fluid to flow in an unusual pattern, facilitating its entrapment in the PC. This elucidates why this syndrome is commonly associated with lax zonular fibers, i.e., in exfoliation, dense/brunescent cataracts, or spherophakia. However, it can develop in the absence of any clinically detectable zonular fiber weakness or disruption [4], and might be associated with spontaneous PC/vitreous pressure elevation induced by intraoperative coughing [6]. As habitually shallowing of the anterior chamber is irreversible, Olson et al. defined the term subcapsular fluid entrapment.

Faced with these situations, pars plana decompression is required. Exceptionally spontaneous posterior capsule rupture and liberation of the entrapped fluid has been described [5]. Prior to performing a posterior decompression, the surgeon must be definitely certain that there is no evidence of choroidal effusion or hemorrhage. The decompression might be done by puncture with a straight needle 3 mm from the rim and then aspiration of retrolenticular fluid [3‐5]. Vitreous traction might be a concern when performing this procedure. Furthermore, the treatment has not always been described as successful [5].

Hence it would be preferable to use a small-gauge trocar/cannula vitrectomy cutter (23-, 25-, or 27-gauge) [7]. The incision in the pars plana should be made after displacing the conjunctiva and then fashioning a beveled incision, as is modern practice for pars plana entries. The cutter can then remove retrocapsular fluid using a high cut rate.

This syndrome has also been described as occurring from hours to months, or years, after the initial surgery [9]. Malignant glaucoma is a recalcitrant and potentially devastating secondary angle-closure glaucoma. In 1869, von Graefe described a rare postoperative complication characterized by flattening of the anterior chamber and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). As a result of its poor response to conventional treatment, it was called malignant glaucoma [1]. The term was further justified by the devastating effect of using pilocarpine as an attempted treatment for this condition. It is recognized to comprise the diagnostic triad of a diffusely flat anterior chamber, high intraocular pressure, and aqueous pooling that is sometimes visible in or in front of the anterior vitreous. This occurs despite the existence of a patent iridotomy or iridectomy (Fig. 1). It is best known following trabeculectomy, but has been reported following a wide variety of anterior segment procedures, including cataract extraction or implantation of several glaucoma drainage devices, i.e., Ahmed, Molteno, Baerveldt [32‐34]. Furthermore, it can occur subsequent to laser peripheral iridotomy, surgical peripheral iridectomy, capsulotomy, cyclophotocoagulation, phacotrabeculectomy, trabeculectomy scleral flap suture lysis, trabeculectomy bleb needling, or initiation of topical miotic [5, 10, 12, 24, 40]. Although pars plana vitrectomy is an effective treatment for malignant glaucoma, it does not rule out the development of this syndrome postoperatively [29, 30]. Furthermore cases of malignant glaucoma have been described following vitrectomy, particularly in phakic eyes [29, 30, 41]. In a study conducted by Matlach et al., the IOP in malignant glaucoma following trabeculectomy was slightly lower than after other procedures; furthermore, this group of patients required fewer topical IOP-lowering medications [42].

There is an anatomical predisposition for malignant glaucoma. Most patients have chronic angle-closure glaucoma or an anatomically narrow filtration angle. In other studies, plateau iris configuration and hyperopia have been defined as risk factors [10, 15, 23, 24]. Additionally, anterior rotation of the ciliary body processes in ultrasound biomicroscopy might be significant for averting aqueous fluid flow [22]. Malignant glaucoma is indeed more common in women than in men. In women, the location of the lens is more forward than that of the lens in men, resulting in not only a 4% shallower anterior chamber but also a narrower space between the lens equator and ciliary body. Therefore, women are more prone to developing a misdirection of the aqueous flow [43]. Chandler et al. proposed that laxity of lens zonules coupled with pressure from the vitreous leads to forward lens movement [44]. In spherophakia, zonular dehiscence might be accompanied by increased lens thickness, hence facilitating anterior chamber shallowing [45].

Due to the fact that the aqueous humor secreted by the ciliary epithelium is not directed to the anterior chamber, the term aqueous misdirection syndrome has been proposed [10]. It might accumulate in the vitreous or adjacent to it in Berger’s space. A forward displacement of the anterior vitreous with apposition of the anterior hyaloid face against the lens and ciliary body might be significant in averting the flow of aqueous humor [9]. Furthermore, the aqueous might become entrapped inside the vitreous cavity as “aqueous pockets” [14, 40]. Other studies suggest that anterior vitreous and anterior hyaloid face condensation result in reduced permeability to the aqueous. With that, vitreous detachment would facilitate trapping fluid in the posterior segment [10]. Little et al. [9] suggest that aqueous might accumulate in front of the anterior vitreous, and its pooling can be sometimes visible.

The misdirection of aqueous leads to increasing the pressure of the posterior chamber vitreous (positive vitreous pressure glaucoma) [13] and anterior displacement of the lens–iris diaphragm. Consequently, a characteristic diffuse shallowing of the anterior chamber can be observed, with subsequent angle closure and rise in intraocular pressure [10]. The aqueous misdirection is inevitable — Shaffer and Hoskins postulated a valve-like mechanism by which aqueous humor was “misdirected” posteriorly [46]. A vicious circle is set up, in that the higher the pressure in the posterior segment, the more firmly the lens is held forward [13, 16].

Quigley et al. suggest that rather than a one-way ball valve mechanism, choroidal expansion could play a significant role in malignant glaucoma. In an average human eye, the vitreous volume is approximately 5000 μl and the choroidal volume is about 480 μl, while the anterior chamber volume is 150 μl [47]. From solid geometry and ocular dimensions, choroidal expansion by 20% occupies a volume 100 μl, equal to the volume of the anterior chamber [48]. A 100-μm uniform choroidal expansion could increase IOP to 60 mmHg [47]. With the expansion of the choroid, the absolute pressure in each compartment of the eye increases. This induces a volume loss from the anterior chamber, with increased aqueous outflow. As the pressure in the posterior globe is higher than in the anterior chamber, an anterior movement of the vitreous, carrying the lens and iris with it, leads to further anterior chamber narrowing. This additionally decreases the outflow, causing a vicious circle.

Malignant glaucoma would be more likely to occur in eyes with higher than normal resistance to vitreous fluid flow. Normal vitreous does not limit the free passage of water, and its fluid conductivity decreases under an increased pressure differential [49]. If the transvitreous flow is limited and insufficient to equalize the difference in pressure between the vitreous chamber and anterior chamber, the vitreous compresses more. This further decreases its fluid conductivity. The surface through which aqueous exits the vitreous is limited by the ciliary body at its perimeter and apposition of vitreous to the lens centrally, forming a doughnut-shaped zone. The compression of vitreous and its anterior movement gradually limits the diffusional area. Furthermore in hyperopic eyes with smaller axial length and relatively larger lens the doughnut-shaped zone would be only half as large as normal-sized eyes [48].

Tomey et al. [36] claim, that postoperative wound leakage following cataract surgery may be a causative factor for malignant glaucoma. It seems probable that the initial forward movement of the iris–lens diaphragm caused by the wound leak starts a cycle of aqueous misdirection and subsequent accumulation in the posterior segment. This might be aggravated by the absence of iridectomy in some cases. Interestingly, filtration surgery with increased aqueous outflow might also be considered as a triggering factor.

The treatment strategies for malignant glaucoma are typically aimed at managing IOP and restoring normal anterior segment anatomy. Medical therapy is reported to be successful. Cycloplegics draw the lens–iris complex posteriorly, widen the ciliary body diameter, increasing forward diffusional area for fluid to leave the posterior vitreous cavity. Osmotic agents remove fluid from the eye, and aqueous suppressants decrease its production. Although medical treatment can help partially or completely stabilize malignant glaucoma, they do not address the underlying pressure imbalance; thus the relapse rate is described to be as high as 100% [24].

In aphakic and pseudophakic eyes neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser iridotomy with anterior hyaloidotomy and posterior capsulotomy (all through the same location) might stabilize the intraocular pressure [9]. This approach leads to relieving aqueous that might be entrapped within the vitreous. Ultrasound biomicroscopic imaging revealed that anterior rotation of the ciliary body and anterior chamber shallowing normalize after rupture of the anterior hyaloid face [50]. However, the procedure might have a short-term effect with a high recurrence rate of 75%, presumably because the primary mechanism of misdirection is not counteracted, allowing new aqueous to accumulate in the vitreous cavity [24]. Furthermore, there might be an inflammatory reaction in blocking the flow of aqueous across the zonules or between the lens capsule and ciliary processes, especially in eyes with residual cortical lens material [35]. Some authors underline the efficacy of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation [20, 21]. The coagulative necrosis and shrinkage of the ciliary processes disrupts the ciliary–hyaloid interface. In addition to decreasing aqueous production, this disruption may subsequently allow normal aqueous flow and mechanical posterior rotation of the ciliary body. This method needs to be considered, although some authors prefer to use a non-destructive intervention, especially in a patients with well-seeing eyes [20]. Importantly, this approach does not complicate a subsequent surgical procedure [21]. It is suggested that although cyclophotocoagulation helps to achieve resolution in most eyes, performing vitrectomy with hyaloidotomy and iridectomy with implantation of a glaucoma drainage device in eyes in which laser hyaloidotomy failed could be a better option [20].

Thus, in several cases surgical treatment might be necessary. Certain authors stress that the greatest chance for permanent success is related to quick implementation of surgical treatment [51]. Furthermore, eyes with higher IOP and shorter axial length might be more likely to have a poor prognosis [52]. The fundamentals of the treatment are that evacuation of vitreous and aqueous humor from the vitreous cavity and establishment of communication with the anterior chamber helps to stop the vicious mechanism that eventually leads to increased IOP. Pars plana vitrectomy prevents aqueous accumulation inside the vitreous cavity, and it has been reported to be the treatment of choice for pseudophakic malignant glaucoma. Some authors suggest that a total vitrectomy, rather than partial removal of the anterior vitreous, is favorable [15]. However, this may not be enough to disrupt the cycle of malignant glaucoma, as it is postulated that all of the tissues (iris, lens capsule, zonule, and anterior vitreous) have to be removed to create a permanent passage between the anterior chamber and the vitreous cavity [10, 12, 20, 24]. (Fig. 2) Furthermore, Debrouwere et al. [24] emphasized that total vitrectomy was not effective in 66% of their patients unless an zonulectomy was added to the procedure. Part of the problem is that during conventional vitrectomy peripheral vitreous can hardly be completely removed, and that is why relapse rate may be very high [15]. Only total vitrectomy combined with zonulectomy, iridectomy, and capsulectomy has been described to be effective in 100% on larger groups of patients [12, 24]. In postoperative follow-up, it is important to maintain patency of newly created passages by using an Nd:YAG laser [12]. An alternative surgical treatment for pseudophakic malignant glaucoma suggested by anterior segment surgeons is zonulo-hyaloido-vitrectomy [14, 15, 17, 18]. In this procedure, the anterior vitrectomy is performed from the anterior chamber approach, through a tunnel within the iridectomy. It has been emphasized that this procedure is safer, as the iridectomy is done within visual sight, in contrast to a blind approach through the pars plana. The initial results of such a procedure are good, though recurrence might occur in up to 40% of cases. The reason is blockage of the channel by vitreous or fibrin [17]. In a recent Saudi Arabian study, the efficacy of vitrectomy combined with hyaloido-capsulo-iridectomy has been confirmed on a group of 69 eyes. A two-port pars plana vitrectomy with surgical microscope lighting can be as effective as a 3-port procedure [31]. Some authors underline that the removal of the anterior hyaloid face with capsulectomy is the key to resolving the symptoms of fluid misdirection syndrome, rather than debulking the vitreous [11, 31, 53]. Furthermore, small-gauge techniques might be as efficient as traditional 20-gauge vitrectomy [11].

Most of the cases described in literature do relate to pseudophakic eyes. If malignant glaucoma develops in a phakic eye most authors recommend concomitant vitrectomy and cataract extraction [10, 33]. Harbor et al. stress that lensectomy may be considered in eyes with substantial corneal edema or dense cataract, or when the anterior chamber does not deepen during vitrectomy [37]. Tsai et al. [33] reported better surgical outcome if an additional posterior capsulectomy was performed. Sharma et al. [10] suggest performing vitrectomy to reduce posterior pressure, followed by phacoemulsification and subsidiary vitrectomy followed by zonulo-hyaloidectomy. Chaundry et al. [54] claim that if one eye develops aqueous misdirection after surgery, prophylactic pars plana vitrectomy during cataract surgery of the contralateral eye may be beneficial.