Urrets-Zavalia Syndrome of Unresolving Mydriasis Following Endocyclophotocoagulation Combined with Phacoemulsification

J Curr Glaucoma Pract. 2024 Jan-Mar;18(1):28-30. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10078-1431.

Abstract

Aim and background: Combined endocyclophotocoagulation and phacoemulsification (ECP/Phaco) are uncommonly associated with complications. We present the first case of a rare complication following ECP/Phaco.

Case description: A 72-year-old patient with dense nuclear sclerotic cataracts and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) underwent bilateral surgery uneventfully. He experienced a brief episode of postoperative elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), but only one eye with a lower baseline IOP developed a dilated pupil. No pupillary response was observed after applying 4% pilocarpine. The fixed mydriasis persisted without reaction to light or near stimulus, and the best-corrected vision (BCVA) was 20/30 in the affected eye.

Conclusion: This case reports a possible rare complication when undergoing ECP/Phaco therapy. The pathogenesis of Urrets-Zavalia syndrome is unknown, but we hypothesized that eyes with more pronounced increases in IOP from baseline may be more susceptible to ischemic injury to the pupillary sphincter, resulting in a chronically dilated pupil.

Clinical significance: Even a modest transient rise in postoperative IOP in a glaucomatous eye with normal baseline IOP could result in a chronically dilated pupil.

How to cite this article: Cheng AMS, Vedula GG, Kubal AA, et al. Urrets-Zavalia Syndrome of Unresolving Mydriasis Following Endocyclophotocoagulation Combined with Phacoemulsification. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2024;18(1):28-30.

Keywords: Case report; Endocyclophotocoagulation; Microinvasive glaucoma surgery; Mydriasis; Phacoemulsification; Urrets–Zavalia syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports