Triangle Sign

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Article initiated by:

Saurabh Deshmukh, MBBS, DNB, FVRS, MNAMS

All contributors:

Dipankar Das, MBBS, MS, Krati Gupta, MBBS, Harsha Bhattacharjee, Kasturi Bhattacharjee, Alpa S. Patel, M.D., Yasser I.Abdullah, MD, Jordan Scott Masters, MD, Sabin Sahu, MS, Derek W DelMonte, MD, Saurabh Deshmukh, MBBS, DNB, FVRS, MNAMS, Angela Verkade, MD

Assigned editor:

Angela Verkade, MD

Review:

Assigned status Up to Date

 by Angela Verkade, MD on May 24, 2024.

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Diagrammatic representation of slit-beam section. Figure. 1: Morgagnian cataract with resorbed cataract. (A) The adherent anterior and posterior capsule. (B) The triangular space. (C) Sunken nucleus. Figure. 2: Subluxated cataractous lens. (A) Absence of zonules. (B) Subluxated lens.   

Figure 3: (A) Slit beam section showing triangular space. (B) 10x magnified image showing the Triangle sign. (Source: http://www.ijo.in/text.asp?2019/67/1/137/248180)

Sign

The triangle sign is seen in patients with Morgagnian Cataract with the resorbed cortex. This finding is named because of the triangular space formed by the anterior and posterior lens capsule and the nucleus below.

Etiopathogenesis

This sign is commonly seen in patients of Morgagnian Cataract with the resorbed cortex. It has been suggested that the process of cortical fibre dissolution occur at a higher rate as well as en masse in the Morgagnian cataract. The liquefaction of the lens cortex leads to the sinking of the lens nucleus in the capsular bag. In some cases, with poor access to ophthalmologic care, delay in the treatment may lead to the complete resorption of the liquefied cortex leaving behind the transparent capsular bag and the sunken dense nucleus.

Diagnosis

Slit lamp examination with a narrow-slit beam angled at 60° with a magnification of 16x-20x focused above the nucleus shows a triangular area bounded anteriorly and posteriorly by the anterior and posterior lens capsule and the base of the triangle formed by the lens nucleus.

Differential diagnosis

Inferiorly subluxated cataractous lens.

Clinical significance

This sign is of diagnostic value for the residents in differentiating Morgagnian Cataract with resorbed cortex from inferiorly subluxated cataractous lens. A clear transparent space is observed above the cataractous lens in both scenarios and can lead to confusion when examined under diffuse illumination with a slit lamp. The triangle sign can be helpful in making the correct diagnosis. This sign is present in the cases of Morgagnian cataract with resorbed cortex due to the presence of intact zonules and capsular bag whereas it is absent in cases of inferiorly subluxated cataractous lens due to loss of zonules.