Clinical and histopathological findings in the dead bag syndrome

Purpose: To describe the findings of a recently described syndrome, the dead bag syndrome, in which the capsular bag appears to be clear many years postoperatively, becoming diaphanous and floppy and unable to support the intraocular lens (IOL) within it. Setting: John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Design: Case series with clinicopathological correlation. Methods: Of 10 cases suspected to represent a dead bag syndrome, 8 IOLs and 7 capsular bags were removed because of subluxation or dislocation. The 7 capsular bags available for analysis were fixed in formalin and submitted to histopathological examination (hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome stains). The associated explanted IOLs in 5 cases were also examined microscopically. Results: Histopathologic examination of the 7 capsular bags showed capsular thinning and/or splitting. Lens epithelial cells (LECs) were completely absent on 2 specimens, whereas the other 5 specimens had rare LECs on the inner surface of the capsule. Explanted IOLs were 3-piece silicone IOLs or single-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOLs. 1 IOL optic showed a small amount of granular pigment deposition, but the optics of the other 4 IOLs were unremarkable. Conclusions: In this syndrome, there seems to be an absence of secondary proliferation of LECs and fibrotic changes. The capsule shows some signs of degradation, such as thinning and/or splitting. Weakness of zonular attachments seems to be an associated finding, with subsequent in-the-bag IOL dislocation. Further studies are necessary to ascertain the etiology of this condition.