Echographic findings in hemorrhagic disciform lesions.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the potential role of ocular echography in the evaluation of hemorrhagic disciform disease.


METHODS
Using standardized ocular echography, the authors examined 85 eyes of 85 patients with hemorrhagic disciform lesions.


RESULTS
Hemorrhagic disciform lesions are located in the subretinal pigment epithelial space and appear echographically as solid chorioretinal elevations characterized by a bumpy, lobulated surface with indistinct peripheral margins, irregular internal structure, and medium to high internal reflectivity. These lesions could be reliably differentiated from associated subretinal or suprachoroidal hemorrhage by ocular echography when the maximal height of the lesion was 1 mm or greater.


CONCLUSIONS
Hemorrhagic disciform disease is usually complex with distinct components that may not be discernible on biomicroscopic or angiographic examination, in part because of overlying subretinal hemorrhage. Ocular echography provides a readily available clinical tool to define the components of hemorrhagic disciform disease more precisely. Improved characterization of hemorrhagic disciform lesions may improve understanding of the natural history and response to therapy of hemorrhagic age-related macular degeneration.
Valencia
M
M
Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033.
Green
R L
RL
Lopez
P F
PF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography