Barium-induced toxic anterior segment syndrome

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2023 May;33(3):NP31-NP35. doi: 10.1177/11206721211069223. Epub 2021 Dec 30.

Abstract

Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) is a rapid-onset inflammation of the eye following uneventful ocular surgery. We report a case of TASS following Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) identified barium in the eye and in the eluate from the bleb of the BGI. We attribute TASS in our patient to the dissolution of barium from the BGI and its entry into the eye, where it causes severe inflammation.

Keywords: Glaucoma; baerveldt glaucoma implant; barium; inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; toxic anterior segment syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Eye Segment / diagnostic imaging
  • Barium / adverse effects
  • Eye Diseases* / etiology
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Barium