Assessment of intraocular foreign body using high resolution 3D ultrasound imaging.

Ocular trauma often involves intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) that pose challenges in accurate diagnosis due to their size, shape, and material composition. In this study, we proposed a novel whole-eye 3D ophthalmic ultrasound B-scan (3D-UBS) system for automating image acquisition and improved 3D visualization, thereby improving sensitivity for detecting IOFBs. 3D-UBS utilizes 14 MHz Clarius L20 probe, a motorized translation stage, and a surgical microscope for precise placement and movement. The system's 3D point spread function (PSF) is 0.377 × 0.550 × 0.894 mm3 characterized by the full-width at half-maximum intensity values in the axial, lateral and elevation directions. Digital phantom and ex vivo ocular models were prepared using four types of IOFBs (i.e., plastic, wood, metal, and glass). Ex vivo models were imaged with both 3D-UBS and clinical computed tomography (CT). Image preprocessing was performed on 3D-UBS images to remove uneven illumination and speckle noise. Multiplanar reformatting in 3D-UBS provides optimal plane selection after acquisition, reducing the need for a trained ultrasonographer. 3D-UBS outperforms CT in contrast for wood and plastic, with mean contrast improvement of 2.43 and 1.84 times, respectively. 3D-UBS was able to identify wood and plastic IOFBs larger than 250 µm and 300 in diameter, respectively. CT, with its wider PSF, was only able to detect wood and plastic IOFBs larger than 600 and 550 µm, respectively. Although contrast was higher in CT for metal and glass IOFBs, 3D-UBS provided sufficient contrast to identify those. 3D-UBS provides an easy-to-use, non-expert imaging approach for identifying small IOFBs of different materials and related ocular injuries at the point of care.

Rate of metallic foreign bodies found on orbital radiographs prior to MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to more precisely quantify the positivity rate for conventional radiographs (CR) of the orbit performed for the purpose of pre-MR screening in patients at risk of having a radio-opaque orbital foreign body (ROFB). METHODS: By review of electronic medical records, we identified 47,237 patients who had undergone orbital CR for clearance of ROFB prior to MRI. The reports from these examinations were manually reviewed, and the examinations with positive findings were re-interpreted by a CAQ-certified head and neck radiologist. The rate of ROFB found in these examinations was reported and compared to historical estimates in the literature. RESULTS: 328 of the 47,237 examinations (0.69 %) were originally interpreted as positive for ROFB. Upon re-review, only 39 of the 47,237 examinations (0.083 %, 95 % CI 0.06 %-0.11 %) contained ROFB that were in locations that posed a risk to ocular or vascular structures or were in an equivocal location. Almost all of the patients with false-positive initial interpretations had been denied MRI. DISCUSSION: The rate of ROFB discovered on clearance CR of the orbits prior to MRI is far less than previously estimated in the radiology literature. More conservative guidelines for MR clearance may be useful to reduce costs, mitigate imaging delays, and avoid unnecessary denial of imaging.

Efficiency of different imaging methods in detecting ocular foreign bodies.

BACKGROUND: Ocular foreign bodies (OFBs) are a relatively common occurrence in ocular injuries, and a severe risk factor for vision disorders. They are notoriously challenging to identify and localize precisely to allow surgical removal, even with the most recent technological advancements. PURPOSE: To compare the efficiency of different imaging methods in detecting and localizing OFBs. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients with OFBs, detected by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and confirmed during surgery. Patients who presented to our medical center between January 2016 and January 2022 and also underwent computed tomography (CT), X ray, and/or ocular B-scan ultrasonography (B-scans) were selected. RESULTS: This study included 134 patients with a history of ocular trauma and OFBs (mean age: 47.25 years, range: 8-78). The mean time interval from injury to UBM examination was 36.31 months (range: 0.2-120 months). Most OFBs were metallic (51.82%) or plant-based (25.37%); 22.39% of them were located in the sclera, 26.87% in the anterior chamber, and 23.88% in the ciliary body and iris. OFBs ranged in size from 0.10 to 6.67 mm (mean: 1.15 ± 1.10 mm). B-scans identified OFBs in 37 of the 119 patients examined (31.09%); CT in 52 of 84 patients (61.90%); and radiography in 29 of 50 patients (58.00%). Univariate and multivariate analyses determined that both CT and radiography showed low detection rates for plant-based versus non-plant-based OFBs (CT: p < 0.001; radiography: p = 0.007), small particles (<1.00 mm vs. >1.00 mm; CT: p = 0.001, radiography: p = 0.024), and with eyeball wall locations (vs. intraocular; CT: p < 0.001, radiography: p = 0.021). Similarly, B-scans were less efficient for plant-based and eyeball wall-located OFBs (both p = 0.001), whereas the difference based on dimensions was not significant (p = 0.118). CONCLUSIONS: CT, radiography, and B-scans showed lower detection rates for plant-based, small, and eyeball wall-located OFBs. Our findings strongly suggest that UBM could be a more adequate imaging modality when such OFBs are suspected.

ULTRASOUND BIOMICROSCOPY AND ECHOGENIC EXTERNAL MARKER ASSISTED INTRAOCULAR FOREIGN BODY REMOVAL.

PURPOSE: We report a novel method of intraoperative localization of a retained anterior intraocular foreign body (IOFB), using a combination of ultrasound biomicrosopy and an insulated needle. METHODS: A retrospective case report of a 56-year-old man who presented with a right eye IOFB. RESULTS: On presentation, vision was decreased in the right eye to count fingers with a small subconjunctival hemorrhage, but no other signs of a penetrating laceration. Orbital CT revealed an IOFB, and the initial vitrectomy failed to retrieve the IOFB. Then, during the subsequent vitrectomy, using an ultrasound compatible needle and an ultrasound biomicrosopy, we were able to precisely locate and remove the small anterior IOFB. CONCLUSION: Retained IOFBs can lead to severe irreversible vision loss if not promptly removed. Ancillary imaging modalities and localization techniques can help locate occult IOFBs in difficult cases.

Incidental finding of a retained intracorneal wooden foreign body.

We present a case of an intracorneal wooden foreign body that remained undetected for 15 years following an ocular injury sustained during gardening. The patient presented with stable visual acuity despite the long-standing presence of a wooden splinter embedded in the cornea. Interestingly, Pentacam corneal tomography did not show any abnormalities despite the foreign body piercing through the corneal stroma and endothelium. This case may serve as an opportunity to re-examine the approach to managing chronic and stable intracorneal wooden foreign bodies and explore the implications of continued observation rather than surgical management.

The relationship between computed tomography findings and ocular trauma and pediatric ocular trauma scores in pediatric globe injuries: Does imaging have prognostic and diagnostic value?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between computed tomography (CT) findings in open globe injuries (OGIs) in pediatric patients and the pediatric ocular trauma score (POTS) and OTS in pediatric ocular trauma. METHODS: In 34 pediatric patients with OGI, CT findings were categorized into nine main categories: Scleral irregularity, lens dislocation, abnormal vitreous density, choroid-retinal layer thickening, preseptal thickness increase, intraocular foreign body and air, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and perforation. The relationship between different types and numbers of CT findings and the POTS and OTS was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of trauma was 6.6±3.1. Of the patients, 9 (26.5%) were female and 25 (73.5%) were male. The most com-mon CT findings are scleral irregularity and increased preseptal thickness (47.1%). In univariate analysis, a P<0.05 was found between 16 patients with 1 or less CT findings (median POTS value 80 [71.25-90.0]) and 11 patients with 2 or 3 CT findings (median POTS value 60 [15-70]). A P<0.05 was found between 16 patients with 1 or less CT findings (median POTS value 80 [71.25-90.0]) and 7 patients with 4 or more CT findings (median POTS value 45 [25-80]). A P > 0.05 was found between 11 patients with 2 or 3 CT findings (median POTS value 60 [15-70]) and 7 patients with 4 or more CT findings (median POTS value 45 [25-80]). No significant difference was found between the number of CT findings and OTS stages. While POTS was significant (P<0.05) in patients with ab-normal vitreous density (median 45 [30-69.6]), OTS value was not significant (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between POTS and OTS in other CT findings. CONCLUSION: The number of CT findings may assist in predicting POTS and, consequently, estimating visual prognosis in pediatric patients with OGI. In emergency situations where, sufficient clinical data are unavailable, the objective findings from CT may help in assessing the severity of ocular trauma and potentially predicting long-term visual outcomes.

Clinical and imaging characteristics, outcomes and prognostic factors of intraocular foreign bodies extracted by vitrectomy.

To investigate the clinical and computer tomography (CT) features and visual prognostic factors of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for management of retained posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Medical records of 96 patients with IOFB removed by PPV between July 2017 and June 2021 were retrieved. The medical records, including demographic data, initial and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using standard Snellen chart, characteristics of IOFB, CT findings, and surgical details, were reviewed. Outcome was evaluated according to the final BCVA and prognostic factors were obtained. The mean age was 42.31 ± 12.05 years (range 13-71 years) with 94 males (97.9%) and two females (2.1%). CT was sensitive of IOFB in 93.75% (90 eyes) and the locations were consistent with that found during PPV: 20 foreign bodies were located in vitreous, 6 near ciliary body, and 70 on or in retina. Mean diameter of IOFB removed by PPV is 3.52 mm ± 3.01 mm (range 1-22; median 3), and mean area is 6.29 ± 6.48 mm2 (range 0.5-40; median 3), which was statistically associated with the initial VA < 0.1 and endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis was found in 24 (25.0%) eyes and large wound together with scleral entry site might be related to the endophthalmitis. Visual outcome < 0.1 was associated with relative afferent pupillary defect, initial VA < 0.1, and presence of endophthalmitis. Initial VA ≥ 0.1 was independent predictive factor for a better final BCVA. Relative afferent pupillary defect, initial BCVA < 0.1, and presence of endophthalmitis are poor visual prognostic factors.

Retirada de projetil de arma de fogo alojado em assoalho infraorbitário com preservação do globo ocular: relato de caso / Removal of a firearm projectile lodged in the infraorbital floor with preservation of the eyeball: case report

Objetivo: relatar um caso de ferimento por arma de fogo (FAF), com projétil balístico alojado em região infraorbitária à esquerda, relatando tratamento cirúrgico de urgência para exérese do projetil por acesso subciliar. Relato do caso: Paciente do gênero masculino, 18 anos, foi encaminhado ao pronto socorro do Hospital Universitário por conta de ferimento por arma de fogo. Ao exame clínico, foi verificado discreto aumento de volume em região cervical e hemiface à esquerda, ausência de sangramento em face; presença de limitação para infraversão de olho esquerdo. O orifício de entrada do projetil foi identificado em região de tórax superior posterior à esquerda; após realização de tomografia de face, confirmou-se fratura de assoalho orbitário esquerdo, assim como projétil alojado abaixo do globo ocular. O ato cirúrgico foi realizado com caráter de urgência pela equipe de Cirurgia e Traumatologia Bucomaxilofacial. Discussão: estudos descrevem a importância da realização do adequado manejo de lesões traumáticas decorrentes de FAF seguido de remoção do projetil com urgência, visto que as complicações ao postergar o tempo cirúrgico só agravam o quadro clínico do paciente, além das afecções futuras que podem surgir com o decorrer da resolução do caso clínico. Conclusão: ratifica-se a importância da multidisciplinariedade entres as clínicas médicas, assim como, o correto manejo do paciente traumatizado, baseado nos critérios que conduzem o plano de tratamento.(AU)

Aim: to report a case of gunshot wound, with ballistic projectile lodged in the left infraorbital region, reporting emergency surgical treatment for projectile exeresis by subciliary access. Case Report: An 18-year-old male patient was referred to the emergency department of the University Hospital due to a gunshot wound. On clinical examination, it was found slight increase in volume in the cervical region and left hemiface, absence of bleeding in the face; presence of limitation to infraversion of the left eye. The entrance hole of the projectile was identified in the posterior left upper thorax region; after a tomography of the face, a fracture of the left orbital floor was confirmed, as well as the projectile lodged below the eyeball. The surgery was urgently performed by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team. Discussion: Studies describe the importance of performing the proper management of traumatic injuries resulting from FAF followed by removal of the projectile with urgency, since the complications to postpone the surgical time only aggravate the clinical picture of the patient, in addition to future problems that may arise with the resolution of the clinical case. Conclusion: the importance of multidisciplinarity among medical clinics is ratified, as well as the correct management of the traumatized patient, based on the criteria that lead to the treatment plan.(AU)

Intraorbital Wooden Foreign Body in a Soldier.

The authors report a case of an intraorbital wooden foreign body that was misinterpreted as a radiolucent area of retained air on a computed tomography (CT) scan. A 20-year-old soldier presented to an outpatient clinic following an impingement with a bough while cutting down a tree. He had a 1-cm-deep laceration on the inner canthal area of his right eye. A military surgeon explored the wound and suspected a foreign body, but could not find or extract anything. Thereafter, the wound was sutured and the patient was transferred. An examination revealed an acutely ill-looking man with distressing pain in the medial canthal and supraorbital area associated with ipsilateral ptosis and periorbital edema. A CT scan showed a radiolucent area suspected to be retained air in the medial periorbital area. The wound was explored. Upon removal of the stitch, yellowish pus was drained. An intraorbital piece of wood measuring 1.5 cm×0.7 cm was extracted. The patient's hospital course was uneventful. Pus culture revealed growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis . Wood has a density similar to air and fat and can be difficult to distinguish from soft tissue both on plain x-ray films and CT. In this case, the CT scan showed a radiolucent area resembling retained air. Magnetic resonance imaging is a better method of investigation in cases of a suspected organic intraorbital foreign body. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of retention of an intraorbital foreign body in patients presenting with periorbital trauma, especially those with even a small open wound.

Management of a misidentified and misnumbered intraocular glass foreign body with an endoscope in a case of endophthalmitis.

An endoscope is a useful adjunct for the retinal surgeon to overcome haze of a compromised anterior segment. It allows early surgery in trauma and infections which translates to better results. Intraocular glass foreign body is a challenging condition, demanding highly skilled surgical expertise. We present endoscopic removal of an intraocular foreign glass body in a badly traumatised and infected eye. The surgical challenge was accentuated by an imaging misdiagnosis of 'twin metallic foreign bodies'.

[Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of orbital foreign bodies (2021)].

In addition to mechanical injury and secondary infection, long-term retention of orbital foreign bodies can cause inflammation, foreign body granuloma and fistula formation, affecting the appearance and visual function of patients. Trans-orbital craniocerebral foreign bodies can cause severe complications such as craniocerebral injury and intracranial infection. The Oculoplastic and Orbital Disease Group of Chinese Ophthalmological Society of Chinese Medical Association has formed the expert consensus on tissue injury, imaging examinations, diagnosis and treatment of orbital foreign bodies, hoping to provide the reference for clinical work and to standardize and improve the diagnosis and treatment of intraorbital foreign bodies. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 743-748).

Radiological characteristics of mixed composition intraorbital foreign body.

Orbital trauma is commonly complicated by retention of intraorbital foreign bodies. A 39-year-old man presented following a penetrating injury to the right orbit, with CT evidence of foreign bodies in the right anterior and posterior medial orbit. The foreign bodies were found to be a mixed composition of metal and wood. Characterising wood on CT imaging is difficult due to its radiolucency and low density, which can be mistaken for air in the setting of traumatic orbital emphysema. Increasing the window width on bone window settings can be used to distinguish wood from air, which is crucial for facilitating its complete surgical removal.