Ultrasonographic findings in eyes with giant retinal tears and opaque media

Abstract

A preoperative diagnosis of giant retinal tear was suspected as a result of ultrasonography in six eyes with opaque media, and the diagnosis was then confirmed during surgery. All eyes showed a discontinuity in the high amplitude linear retinal echo, representing the location of a retinal tear involving more than one retinal quadrant. In five eyes there was a double linear echo attached to the optic nerve. The linear echo that was discontinuous with the contour of the globe corresponded to the inverted posterior flap of the giant retinal tear. The linear echo that was continuous with the contour of the globe represented detached retina. The preoperative discovery of a giant retinal tear by ultrasonography in eyes with opaque media influences the subsequent management of the patient.