High-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy of the pars plana and peripheral retina.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the ability and role of ultrasound biomicroscopy in imaging the peripheral retina, pars plana, and anterior choroid. The study design was a case series. Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with a variety of clinical diagnoses involving the anterior portion of the posterior segment were studied. High-frequency (50 MHz), high-resolution (50 microns) ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed. Ultrasound biomicroscopy was capable of imaging the peripheral retina, pars plana, and anterior choroid. Images had features consistent with known histopathology. Retinoschisis consisted of one thin hyper-reflective echo and could be differentiated from a retinal detachment, which was thicker and formed a bilayered echo. A choroidal effusion could be identified as an echolucent space within the suprachoroidea, whereas a choroidal hemorrhage was moderately echodense. Inflammatory diseases, such as a sarcoid granuloma, pars planitis, and Harada's disease, were characterized by different forms of uveal thickening. A ciliochoroidal nevus was internally hyporeflective and could be measured accurately and localized. Imaging of the peripheral retina, pars plana, and anterior choroid is possible with ultrasound biomicroscopy and may aid in the diagnosis and management of pathology involving this region.