Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors(University of Wollongong)

We report a unique case of iris metastasis from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive lung adenocarcinoma, diagnosed solely by cytologic analysis of aqueous humor without tissue biopsy.

A 56-year-old man with a known history of lung adenocarcinoma presented with unilateral iris masses, anterior chamber inflammation, and secondary glaucoma. Intraocular pressure was initially controlled with cataract surgery combined with microhook trabeculotomy. However, the pressure re-elevated despite maximal topical antiglaucoma therapy (including a prostaglandin analog, beta-blocker, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, alpha-2 agonist, and Rho-kinase inhibitor) and oral acetazolamide. Three sessions of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation were performed. In addition, two intravitreal injections of aflibercept (2.0 mg each) were administered for rubeosis iridis. Aqueous humor obtained via anterior chamber paracentesis immediately before intravitreal injection demonstrated Class V adenocarcinoma cells on cytology, allowing the diagnosis of iris metastasis without iris biopsy.The lesions subsequently enlarged, and similar iris lesions appeared in the fellow eye during the final 1 month before the patient's death. Systemic disease progression became evident during the final 1 month before death, and the patient ultimately succumbed 9 months after the initial visit. Conclusions and Importance: This is among the few reported cases of iris metastasis confirmed solely by aqueous cytology. This case underscores the diagnostic utility of anterior chamber paracentesis as a less invasive yet reliable alternative to iris biopsy in carefully selected patients. It also highlights the clinical course and therapeutic challenges in managing anterior segment metastasis from epithelial tumors such as lung cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Methods: The study protocol (PROSPERO registry no. CRD42024589621) involved a search of major databases (Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar) for studies comparing carbonic anhydrase inhibitors with placebo for the treatment of CSCR. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Effect measures were risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean differences with 95% CIs for continuous outcomes. Results: The analysis included 225 patients from 7 observational studies, with 133 in the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor group and 92 in the placebo group. No significant change in best-corrected visual acuity was observed in the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor group compared with placebo (mean difference, 0.01 logMAR, 95% CI, −0.08 to 0.11; P = .76). Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors significantly reduced subfoveal choroidal thickness (mean difference, −12.80 µm, 95% CI, −24.66 to −0.94; P = .03) and central macular thickness (mean difference, −52.18 µm, 95% CI, −98.20 to −6.15; P = .03), but no significant differences between groups were observed in incidence of complete resolution of subretinal fluid (RR, 1.45, 95% CI, 0.90-2.36; P = .13) or CSCR recurrence (RR, 0.67, 95% CI, 0.20-2.22; P = .51). Incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor group compared with placebo (RR, 8.75, 95% CI, 1.24-61.79; P = .03). Conclusions: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce subfoveal choroidal thickness and central macular thickness in CSCR but do not improve visual acuity or achieve complete fluid resolution. In addition, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors pose a higher risk of adverse events, indicating the need for cautious use and further research on their long-term efficacy and safety.