Echographic evaluation of a patient with diabetes and dense vitreous hemorrhage: an avulsed retinal vessel may mimic a tractional retinal detachment.
OBJECTIVE
To report that an avulsed retinal vessel may appear as a tractional retinal detachment on echographic evaluation.


METHODS
Case report.


RESULTS
A 57-year-old diabetic woman presented with a nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage of 2 months duration in the left eye. Echography was consistent with a localized tractional retinal detachment on longitudinal sections; transverse sections demonstrated a pinpoint opacity in the vitreous cavity. Intraoperatively, an avulsed retinal vessel was noted in the area of echographic abnormality.


CONCLUSIONS
An avulsed retinal vessel may mimic tractional retinal detachment on echography. Although trained ophthalmic echographers routinely perform both longitudinal and transverse sections during an echographic evaluation, less skilled observers must be aware of the importance of performing both longitudinal and transverse sections for accurate echographic diagnosis.
Scott
I U
IU
Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
Flynn
H W
HW
Hughes
J R
JR
D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*