[Histopathological features of the trabecular meshwork in a case of presumed bilateral Chandler syndrome].

Background: We describe a patient who had notable decrease in the number of corneal endothelial cells in both eyes and developed open angle glaucoma without evident iris atrophy and peripheral anterior synechia.

Case: A 74-year-old woman. The trabeculectomized angle tissue and iris tissue of her left eye were observed under light and transmission electron microscopy. From Schwalbe's line to the anterior chamber angle, degenerated endothelium-like cells were observed and overgrowth of layers of collagen fiber with varied cycles and basement membrane-like material were noticed. In addition, the morphology of intra-trabecular space was atrophic and occlusive with marked degeneration and exfoliation of endothelial cells in the trabecular space. On the side of the anterior chamber, degenerated endothelium-like cells were observed, the morphology of which was considered to result from abnormal metabolic function in corneal endothelium. Overgrowth of basement membrane-like material onto iridic tissue was not observed.

Conclusion: Although slit lamp examination revealed no obvious abnormality, the result of histological examination suggested that this was a case of Chandler's syndrome in a broad sense or was in the early stage of this disease. We also discussed differential diagnosis from other diseases.