Typical ultrasound biomicroscopic findings seen in ocular hypotony.
Detailed imaging of the ciliary body region by means of ultrasound biomicroscopy can provide information that is crucial for further treatment whereas clinical evaluation and 10-MHz standard B scan are less helpful.


BACKGROUND
To evaluate the suitability of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) for elucidating the causes of ocular hypotony.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was performed to determine the usefulness of UBM in the evaluation of ocular hypotony. UBM, B scan, and a detailed clinical examination had been performed. Sixty patient charts with prolonged ocular hypotony of different causes were reviewed from January 1994 to December 1998. The information obtained by the UBM was classified into three groups: 'diagnostic' (group 1), 'helpful' (group 2), 'not helpful' (group 3).


RESULTS
Of the 60 eyes, 45 UBM examinations (75%) were in group 1, 9 eyes (15%) were assigned to group 2 and 6 eyes (10%) were in group 3. The duration of hypotony had no influence.


CONCLUSIONS
In cases of ocular hypotony, the cause was related to ciliary body pathologies in 80%. Only UBM could distinguish tractional from dehiscence ciliary body detachment which required a different management approach. UBM with its high resolution imaging of the anterior segment - including the ciliary body - is highly suitable for diagnostic clarification.
Roters
Sigrid
S
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Germany. sigrid.roters@medizin.uni-koeln.de
Engels
Bert F
BF
Szurman
Peter
P
Krieglstein
Günter K
GK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D015814:Ocular Hypotension / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography