Sensitivity of spiral computed tomography scanning for detecting intraocular foreign bodies.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to determine whether 3-mm computed tomography (CT) cuts are equivalent to 1-mm CT cuts for detecting small intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs).


METHODS
Experimental instrument validation study.


METHODS
Seventy-two porcine eyes were divided into three groups. Each group had 0.5 ml of human blood injected into the vitreous cavity and were surgically implanted with IOFBs.


METHODS
Each eye was surgically implanted with 0.5-mm metallic, 0.5-mm glass, or 0.5-mm stone IOFBs. Two additional eyes were left without IOFBs to serve as negative controls.


METHODS
Axial CT images of both 3-mm and 1-mm thickness were obtained and analyzed in masked fashion by two separate neuroradiologists.


RESULTS
The sensitivity for detecting 0.5-mm metallic, 0.5-mm glass, and 0.5-mm stone IOFBs with 3-mm CT images was 100%. The sensitivity for detecting 0.5-mm metallic, 0.5-mm glass, and 0.5-mm stone IOFBs with 1-mm CT images was also 100% (confidence interval, 95%; range, 0.88-1.00). Two negative control eyes without IOFBs were also correctly evaluated by the neuroradiologists.


CONCLUSIONS
With modern spiral CT scanning, 3-mm cuts are as sensitive as 1-mm cuts for detecting small metallic, glass, and stone IOFBs.
Dass
A B
AB
Associated Retinal Consultants, P.C. , R6007 Reichert Health Building, 5333 McAuley Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA.
Ferrone
P J
PJ
Chu
Y R
YR
Esposito
M
M
Gray
L
L
D000818:Animals; D005129:Eye Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D023421:Models, Animal; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013552:Swine; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*