title: Subretinal abscess causing restricted diffusion on magnetic resonance imaging.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Restricted diffusion of water molecules on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging most commonly associated with acute stroke, has also been described in brain abscess. It has been reported in only one case of sub-retinal abscess.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of two cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two cases of visual loss from subretinal abscess had restricted diffusion in the region of the abscess. In the first case, DWI revealed restricted diffusion in a white mass visible in the posterior retina. In the second case, restricted diffusion was present in an anterior retinal mass invisible by ophthalmoscopy and ultrasound. In combination of restricted diffusion in the cerebrum consistent with septic emboli, these imaging abnormalities allowed earlier treatment that either preserved vision or prevented enucleation.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kellogg Eye Center (CP, JDT), Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology (HP), and Neurology (JDT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Crandall
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Peeler
authors.forename: Hemant
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Parmar
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Trobe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001407:Bacillus / Q000472:pathogenicity; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D012160:Retina / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology