MR imaging and CT of surgical materials currently used in ophthalmology: in vitro and in vivo studies.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess methods of imaging postoperative changes in the eyeball by performing in vitro and in vivo studies of the main solid and fluid materials used in the treatment of cataract and retinal detachment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were analyzed in vitro with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging performed at 0.5 T. In vivo studies were performed in seven patients who underwent lens implantation (n = 1), scleral buckling with hydrogel or silicone (n = 6), and retinopexy with gas or silicone oil (n = 6). The attenuation and signal intensity of the materials were compared with values for anatomic structures. RESULTS: Lens implants were difficult to visualize. Each scleral buckling and retinopexy material was easily differentiated from the others and from anatomic structures at both CT and MR imaging. CONCLUSION: Postoperative CT or MR imaging may be useful after retinal detachment surgery, particularly when ultrasound is not reliable after intravitreous gas-fluid interchange.