Ultrasound biomicroscopy of anterior segment tumors

Abstract

Background: Ultrasound biomicroscopy is a new method of imaging the anterior segment of the eye at microscopic resolution using high frequency ultrasound.

Methods: A prospective study was performed to evaluate the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy in imaging anterior segment tumors. Forty-five patients underwent clinical examination followed by slit-lamp photography, anterior segment B-scan ultrasonography, and ultrasound biomicroscopy according to an established protocol.

Results: All lesions were clearly imaged by ultrasound biomicroscopy, while only 17 were detectable by conventional B-scan ultrasound. Ultrasound biomicroscopy allowed precise measurement and visualization of subsurface features in small tumors. Differentiation between solid and cystic lesions was easily achieved. The margins of ciliary body tumors could be more accurately defined. Histopathologic correlation was possible in four cases managed surgically. Ultrasound biomicroscopy images compared favorably with low-power microscopy. No complications were encountered.

Conclusion: Ultrasound biomicroscopy proved a valuable new noninvasive technique in the evaluation of anterior segment tumors.