The findings of standardized echography for choroidal folds.

Twenty-four patients (31 eyes) with choroidal folds unassociated with orbital tumors were evaluated with standardized echography. Hypermetropia was the most commonly associated finding (eight eyes); in ten eyes, no consistent abnormal findings could be established. Among the less common causes were swelling of the optic nerve proper or the perineural sheaths and thickened extraocular muscles. Standardized echography demonstrated ocular changes, orbital changes, or both, in all but two patients (two eyes) with idiopathic folds. The most frequent findings were flattening of the posterior ocular wall (18 eyes), thickening of the retinochoroid layer (12 eyes), and distention of the optic nerve sheaths (eight eyes). While fluorescein angiography is well established as the preferred method of demonstrating choroidal folds, standardized echography may now be used to delineate the often subtle associated ocular and orbital findings.

Echographic evaluation of retinal tears in patients with spontaneous vitreous hemorrhage.

We studied the ability of standardized echography to correctly diagnose a retinal tear in patients with opaque ocular media due to vitreous hemorrhage. Records were studied of 42 patients with spontaneous vitreous hemorrhage and no ophthalmoscopic view of fundus details. Of these 42 patients, 11 had an echographic diagnosis of probable retinal tear and no retinal detachment. In 10 (91%) of 11 cases, the presence and location of the tears that were diagnosed echographically were confirmed on clinical follow-up. In one patient, an area of peripheral neovascularization was mistaken for a tear. Echography failed to identify one retinal tear that was later detected on clinical examination. Therefore, we have found standardized echography to be a reliable tool in identifying retinal breaks.

Standardized A-scan echography in optic nerve disease.

This study documents the results of standardized A-scan examinations performed in 59 cases of optic nerve lesions (15 perioptic meningiomas, four gliomas, 15 acute neuritides, ten optic atrophies, five ischemic optic neuropathies, five acute central retinal vein occlusions, five traumatic optic neuropathies), as compared with 73 normal optic nerves. Analysis included the assessment of reflectivity (spike height) and nerve width (maximal diameter) with the patient fixating in primary gaze and 30 degrees of eccentric gaze; measurements were obtained from the anterior one third and posterior one third of the optic nerves. Increased nerve diameters could be distinguished as noncompressible (a negative 30 degrees test) when due to tumor, or compressible (a positive 30 degrees test) when due to increased subarachnoid fluid, as exemplified by inflammatory optic neuritis or traumatic neuropathy. Moreover, reflectivity patterns regularly differentiated meningioma (medium reflectivity) from optic glioma (low reflectivity). Neither ischemic neuropathy nor vein occlusion altered optic nerve diameter. These results indicate that echographically defined optic nerve diameter, compressibility in eccentric gaze, and reflectivity patterns can be used to effectively distinguish among causes of chronic optic atrophy (tumor vs remote neuropathy) and disc edema (tumor vs neuritis vs ischemic neuropathy).

Standardized echography in uveal melanomas with scleral or extraocular extension.

Three cases of uveal melanoma with scleral or extraocular extension as detected by standardized echography and confirmed histopathologically are reported. Two patients had scleral and orbital extension: one patient had a huge intraocular tumor and small orbital nodule, while the other had a small intraocular tumor with massive orbital involvement. In the third patient, early scleral extension (less than 25% of its thickness) was detected echographically. The early detection of scleral or extraocular extension, which are known poor prognostic factors, should be routinely attempted with standardized echography even in a small, apparently stable uveal melanoma.

Neuroimaging of the optic nerve after fenestration for management of pseudotumor cerebri.

The mechanisms by which optic nerve-sheath fenestration is effective remain speculative. Possibilities include surgical production of a cerebrospinal fluid filtration outlet or scarring in the subarachnoid space around the nerve in the vicinity of the fenestration site, with shifting of the pressure gradient from the nerve head to the retrobulbar portion. Two patients who underwent successful optic nerve-sheath fenestration developed a cystlike structure contiguous to the fenestration site, apparently in direct communication with the optic nerve sheaths. This was shown on magnetic resonance imaging (one patient) and orbital echography (both patients). These previously unreported observations may support the hypothesis that fenestration works by creating a filtration apparatus that controls the intravaginal pressure in the subarachnoid space surrounding the orbital segment of the optic nerve.

Choroidal neovascularization associated with choroidal nevi.

OBJECTIVE: We undertook a retrospective study of all choroidal nevi with overlying neovascularization seen at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Fla, to determine long-term effects on vision and whether the presence of neovascularization represented increased malignant potential of the lesion. DESIGN: A computer search of patients with a coded diagnosis of both a choroidal nevus and choroidal neovascularization was performed. Cases in which the neovascularization was directly overlying the nevus were used for the study. RESULTS: The records of 23 patients followed up for a mean of 6.5 years were reviewed for visual acuity, effect of treatment, and change in the size of the choroidal lesion. Fifteen of the 23 patients had a final visual acuity in the affected eye of 20/200 or better. Five of six patients treated with laser had visual improvement of 2 or more lines. Only one of these lesions showed any growth, and this was after 17 years of no growth. CONCLUSIONS: Choroidal neovascularization associated with choroidal nevi can have profound effects on vision. Laser treatment, when indicated, is effective and may be safely performed. The clinical course of these lesions, to date, does not indicate any clinically significant malignant transformation.

Dislocated lens nuclei simulating choroidal melanomas.

Three patients underwent echographic examinations for lesions suspected of being choroidal malignant melanomas. All patients were pseudophakic, and two had extensive optic nerve damage from inflammatory glaucoma. In all three patients echography demonstrated an intravitreal lens nucleus that had been lost during cataract extraction. To our knowledge, dislocated lens nuclei have not been reported previously in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma. This diagnosis should be considered in the aphakic or pseudophakic patient with a fundus mass lesion. Echography is especially helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis.

Posttraumatic venous obstructive retinopathy associated with enlarged optic nerve sheath.

A case of posttraumatic unilateral enlargement of the optic nerve sheath associated with a venous obstructive retinopathy and progressive visual loss responded with marked improvement in visual function after nerve sheath decompression. Indirect (closed-head) trauma may be related to the progressive nerve sheath enlargement, venous obstructive retinopathy, and progressive visual loss. It is apparent that a venous stasis retinopathy can result from a posttraumatic optic nerve sheath lesion. Prompt recognition by echographic and/or roentgenographic investigation and subsequent decompression may be curative.

Echographic findings in benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the choroid.

BACKGROUND: Benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia is an uncommon uveal tumor. Misdiagnosis may lead to unnecessary enucleations. Clinical evaluation alone is usually not sufficient to diagnose this tumor. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of standardized echography in the recognition of this disease. METHODS: Retrospective review of the medical and echographic records of 6 patients with choroidal involvement of benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. RESULTS: Extraocular episcleral lymphoid nodules were present in 5 of the 6 patients and were usually seen as a late manifestation of the disease. Two patients had repeated echography after treatment of the tumor and showed marked regression of the episcleral nodules. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of clinical and echographic findings can assist in the accurate diagnosis of this rare uveal tumor. The presence of episcleral nodules on standardized echography supports the diagnosis.

Standardized echography in the differentiation of orbital lesions.

Standardized echography is a unique method of ultrasound diagnosis which complements computed tomography in the evaluation of orbital disease. While computed tomography provides excellent topographic depiction (location and shape) of most orbital masses, the dynamic standardized echographic examination frequently implies a specific tissue-type diagnosis. Both computed tomography and standardized echography were performed on a 66-year-old man with 4 mm of painless, unilateral proptosis. The results are discussed.

Diameter of normal extraocular recti muscles with echography.

To establish the range of diameters of normal extraocular muscles, we used standardized A-scan echography to measure the superior recti/levator complex, medial, lateral, and inferior recti muscles in 38 subjects with healthy orbital tissues. The relationships of age, gender, height, and weight to axial length of the globe were considered. These factors and extraocular muscle diameters were not consistently associated. Our normative data were compared with previously reported studies of extraocular muscle diameter performed with standardized A-scan and contact B-scan echography and computed tomographic scanning.

Contact B-scan echography in the assessment of optic nerve cupping.

We determined the reliability of high-resolution contact B-scan echography for estimating the optic cup size in 56 eyes of 28 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Two trained observers independently evaluated horizontal and vertical cup/disk ratios in stereophotographs, and two skilled echographers independently estimated optic cup size in photoechograms in a masked fashion. The reliability of echographic interpretation varied (kappa 0.29 to 0.71), but it always exceeded that expected by chance alone, even for cups of 0.3 disk diameter or less. Subtly saucer-shaped cups (three of 50 eyes) and deep cups with intact neuroretinal rims (two of 50 eyes) were misinterpreted echographically. High-resolution contact B-scan echography may provide a useful and reliable estimate of the optic cup size in eyes with opaque media.

Follow-up and ultrasonographic examination of patients with macular pseudo-operculum.

Twenty-nine patients (30 eyes) with pseudo-opercula were followed up for six to 65 months (mean, 24 months). Visual acuity was 20/30 or better in all but one eye that was amblyopic. Only one eye developed a decrease in visual acuity and changes interpreted as a stage 1 (foveal detachment induced by tangential traction of the cortical vitreous) impending hole. After vitrectomy visual acuity returned to 20/20. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed the presence of pseudo-opercula in all 22 eyes examined. We concluded that the a pseudo-operculum is a favorable prognostic sign and that its presence is demonstrable ultrasonographically.

Echographic features of medulloepithelioma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the echographic features of medulloepithelioma that may assist in establishing the diagnosis. METHODS: Retrospective review identified four eyes with medulloepithelioma studied with echography. Clinical records, echographic findings, histopathologic tumor features, and the clinical course were reviewed. RESULTS: The initial preoperative diagnosis of medulloepithelioma was uncertain, based on clinical findings alone in three cases but was accurate when echographic findings were combined with clinical findings in all four cases. Cysts posterior to the iris were detected on clinical examination in only two cases, but were revealed on echography in all four cases. Additional echographic findings included irregular high internal reflectivity (n = 4), irregular tumor surface (n = 3), molding around intraocular structures (n = 3), and internal vascularity (n = 2). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of medulloepithelioma is not always apparent on clinical examination alone. Echographic findings of a highly reflective, irregularly structured tumor with associated cystic changes involving the ciliary body region may help establish a presumed diagnosis of medulloepithelioma.

Clinical and echographic findings in idiopathic orbital myositis.

We performed a retrospective chart review of 100 patients with idiopathic orbital myositis, who were of ages 9 to 84 years. Data from 75 patients gave the following results. Females were affected more than twice as often as males. Fifty-one patients (68%) had single muscle involvement, with the lateral and medial recti affected most frequently (38 cases [33%] and 33 cases [29%] of muscles, respectively). In 34 patients (45%), affected muscles functioned normally; the remaining 55% (63 muscles) were fairly equally distributed between paretic (20%), restrictive (20%), or combined paretic and restrictive (15%) myopathies. Analysis of muscle function, echographic findings, and duration of symptoms indicates that within days of onset of symptoms, the affected muscle is initially enlarged but retains normal function. Within the first two weeks, continued enlargement results in muscle paresis. The muscle may then enter a partially or completely restrictive phase, which may become permanent. Fifty-one patients (68%) responded well to systemic corticosteroids, although 11 patients (15%) had further recurrences of the disease. Seven patients (9%) later developed thyroid eye disease after initially having unimuscular orbital myositis. We advocate early institution of corticosteroids in order to avoid permanent restrictive myopathies.

Optic neuropathy in Hodgkin's disease.

Hodgkin's disease is a rare cause of infiltrative optic neuropathy, which typically evolves late in the disease course. We managed an unusual case of isolated optic neuropathy in a 21-year-old man occurring during clinical remission from Hodgkin's disease. Radiotherapy and treatment with high-dose systemic corticosteroids resulted in dramatic improvement in vision. Even without other evidence of recurrent disease, acute-onset optic neuropathy in a patient with a history of a lymphoproliferative disorder should raise the question of a reemergence of the malignancy.

Venous stasis orbitopathy: a clinical and echographic study.

AIMS: A variety of acute and chronic orbitopathies may be distinguished by standardised echography. Venous stasis orbitopathy (VSO) often presents with orbital signs when secondary to cavernous sinus and middle cranial fossa disorders. In this study, the aim was to assess whether differentiation between vascular and nonvascular causes of VSO could be made on the basis of clinical and echographic features at the time of presentation. METHODS: This study comprised 37 patients with echographic features of VSO (17 patients with arteriovenous fistulae, confirmed by computed tomography imaging or angiography, and 20 patients with non-vascular diseases). Excluded were patients with orbital mass lesions detected by echography and muscle enlargement due to other causes (for example, orbital myositis). Patients with a suspected mass involving the orbital apex and echographic features of VSO were included. After full neuro-ophthalmic and ocular examination, both orbits were examined to document maximal thickness and reflectivity of four recti muscles and compared with the normal contralateral orbit with standardised A-scan (Kretz-technik 7200MA or Ophthascan) and contact B-scan (Ultrascan or Ophthascan S). RESULTS: Cumulative ocular recti muscle thickness was significantly greater in patients with arteriovenous fistulae compared with the non-fistula group (23.3 (SD 3.7) and 17.8 (2) mm, p = 0.001). Clinically, the presence of a bruit and a uniocular rise in intraocular pressure were significantly greater in the fistula group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Standardised echography is a safe and non-invasive method of diagnosing VSO in patients presenting with signs of proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and inflammation of the conjunctiva. Furthermore, using these standard techniques the two major causes of VSO (arteriovenous fistulae and compressive mass lesions) could be differentiated.

B-scan ultrasonographic findings in the stages of idiopathic macular hole.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the relationship between the posterior hyaloid membrane (PHM) and the retina in eyes with idiopathic macular hole. METHODS: Ninety-four eyes of 94 consecutive patients with macular hole underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, contact lens biomicroscopy, and B-scan ultrasonography and/or vitreoretinal surgery. RESULTS: In 93 of 94 patients (99%), the relationship between the PHM and posterior retina could be visualized during echographic examinations or at surgery. Among these 93 patients, the PHM was detectable biomicroscopically in 36 (39%). Persistent PHM attachment to the foveola with partial separation of the PHM from the perifoveal retina was evident with ultrasonography in 5 of 6 patients (83%) with stage 1 hole and in 12 of 18 patients (67%) with stage 2 hole. When axial views were included, separation of the PHM from the perifoveal retina was evident in 13 of 13 patients (100%) with stage 1 and stage 2 hole. Separation of the PHM from the fovea and perifoveal retina with attachment to the peripapillary retina was evident with ultrasonography in 65 of 65 patients (100%) with stage 3 macular hole and pseudo-operculum and was evident biomicroscopically in 22 of the 65 patients (34%) in this group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that high-resolution axial and paraxial ultrasonographic examination directly on the surface of the eye is more sensitive in detecting separation of the PHM from the retina than biomicroscopy in idiopathic macular holes. The perifoveal detachment of the PHM may be involved in the pathogenesis of macular holes.