Diagnostic accuracy of different keratoconus detection indices of pentacam in paediatric eyes
Reviewed by Ivan Yip

This is a retrospective study of 432 non-keratoconic eyes compared with 48 eyes with keratoconus (KC) or forme fruste KC (FFKC) in a paediatric population in Cairo, Egypt between December 2013 and October 2018. The authors discuss the rationale of investigating KC detection indices in paediatric eyes as it is a rare condition (0.053-0.16% of children) with no current gold standard of diagnosis. Using the Oculyzer II, Pentacam HR found KC and FFKC were more common in older age groups (15.3-years-old mean). Statistically CAIRO 8 (corneal assessment index from the relational thickness and other OCULUS values analysed for the 8mm zone) showed the greatest discriminative power between KC / FFKC and normal eyes. Other indices which were non inferior included Ambrosio’s relational thickness maximum (ART max) and average, the pachymetric progression index maximum and average, the back elevation from the best fit toric ellipsoid, KC index and topographic KC indices and index height decentration. Limitations include its retrospective nature. Authors conclude that Pentacam can accurately diagnose KC in children and suggest which indices may be most accurate.

Diagnostic accuracy of different keratoconus detection indices of pentacam in paediatric eyes.
Hashem AO, Aziz BF, Wahba SS, et al.
EYE
2023;37(6):1130-8.