Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of a Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate for normative postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of a Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant (BGI).


METHODS
Prospective case series.


METHODS
Seven subjects with uncontrolled glaucoma requiring a primary superotemporal BGI.


METHODS
Subjects prospectively underwent sequential MRI orbital scans without contrast at 0 to 2 weeks, 6 to 8 weeks, and 4 to 6 months after implantation of a BGI model 103-250. Masked to the postoperative time course, a radiologist measured bleb and implant characteristics.


METHODS
Linear measurements of the maximum bleb height at the anterior, middle, and posterior sections of the endplate were measured. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was correlated to bleb height.


RESULTS
On axial T2-weighted images, the height of fluid below and above the BGI endplate increased from the initial to the final MRI images: 0.49 mm to 1.83 mm and 0.57 mm to 1.08 mm (middle 1/3), respectively. On coronal T2-weighted images, fluid below and above the BGI endplate increased from 0.47 mm to 1.53 mm and 0.49 mm to 1.38 mm, respectively. Maximum inverse correlation between bleb height and IOP was observed at the 6 to 8 week coronal T2 images (r=-0.963, P=0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
Fluid collections and endplate characteristics are easily visualized with MRI. Dynamic changes occur over the early postoperative time course. Bleb height is inversely correlated to IOP at 6 to 8 weeks, but disappears at 4 to 6 months.
San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX.
Daniel M
DM
Anderson
Ryan B
RB
Schwope
Michael J
MJ
Reiter
Abraham W
AW
Suhr
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001768:Blister / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies