Metagenomic Deep Sequencing to Investigate for an Infectious Etiology of Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome

Abstract

Iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome is a group of rare ocular conditions that result from abnormal corneal endothelial cells, leading to secondary glaucoma, iris distortions, and corneal edema. The etiology of ICE is unknown, although it has been associated with viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus. In this study, we sought to identify an infectious etiology for ICE using advanced molecular techniques.Metagenomic RNA sequencing (MDS) is a high-throughput sequencing approach that can identify all pathogens in any clinical sample, including RNA viruses. Descemet membrane and aqueous fluid from patients with ICE syndrome were subjected to MDS testing.Samples from 3 patients with ICE were analyzed. MDS was performed on the aqueous fluid of 3 patients and Descemet membrane and endothelial cell tissue from 1 patient. Viral pathogens were not identified in any of the samples.We were unable to identify a viral etiology in the tissues of patients with the Chandler variant of ICE syndrome, although this study was limited by sample size.

View details for DOI 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002368

View details for Web of Science ID 000575998500018

View details for PubMedID 32398422

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7483698