Characterization of cataracts within trisomy 21 patients using ultrasound biomicroscopy

The incidence of trisomy 21 (T21) has steadily increased over the last 30 years due to trends of advancing maternal age, improved disability services, and decreased abortion rates for T21 pregnancies. The most sight threatening comorbidity is early onset cataract, found in 15% of T21 patients. Few studies detail structural variations in the anterior segment of pediatric T21 patients with cataract. The quantitative features of associated subclinical anomalies of the anterior segment in T21 cataracts may inform our understanding of the pathogenesis of disease and may correlate with outcomes. Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) is a high-resolution imaging technique allowing noninvasive in vivo imaging of these anterior segment structures. This prospective case-control study compares structural features in UBM images between pediatric T21 patients and age-matched controls.