Is there a role for high-frequency ultrasonography in clinical staging of retinopathy of prematurity?
To compare 20-MHz ultrasonography with ophthalmoscopy in the staging of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).



We used a handheld 20-MHz ultrasound system to examine 38 eyes of 19 neonates who had an indirect ophthalmoscopic examination (diagnosis masked) within 48 hours prior to ultrasonography. Determination of ROP by indirect ophthalmoscopy was compared with independent identification of ultrasonic features indicative of ROP stages.



In masked cases, ultrasonography correctly identified 13 of 18 (72.2% sensitivity) eyes with zone 2, stage 2 ROP or worse and 19 of 20 (95.0% specificity) normal eyes (zone 2, stage 1 ROP or better) (chi-square, 18.4; P < .001).



In the neonatal nursery, a 20-MHz handheld ultrasound system may be an effective screening tool to initially identify ROP for further ophthalmoscopic evaluation and management.
Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
Danny H Kauffinann
DH
Jokl
Ronald H
RH
Silverman
Sheri L
SL
Nemerofiky
Steven A
SA
Kane
Michael F
MF
Chiang
Robert
R
Lopez
Grace
G
Lee
D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D012160:Retina / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014463:Ultrasonography