Ultrasound biomicroscopy in the diagnosis of supraciliochoroidal fluid after trabeculectomy

Am J Ophthalmol. 1999 Sep;128(3):372-5. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(99)00118-x.

Abstract

Purpose: To report supraciliochoroidal effusion after trabeculectomy with the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Methods: In a prospective study, 28 eyes of 19 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma that underwent trabeculectomy were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Results: Four eyes showed a hypoechogenic suprachoroidal space that remained stable for 6 months postoperatively. These four eyes had intraocular pressures of 11 mm Hg or less on no antiglaucoma medications and without signs of choroidal detachment.

Conclusion: Ultrasound biomicroscopy proved to be a useful method of detecting, after trabeculectomy, supraciliochoroidal fluid without clinically detectable choroidal detachment. This fluid may signify an iatrogenic cyclodialysis during surgery or, less likely, subclinical ciliochoroidal detachment.

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Chamber / diagnostic imaging*
  • Choroid / diagnostic imaging*
  • Choroid / pathology
  • Ciliary Body / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ciliary Body / pathology
  • Exudates and Transudates / diagnostic imaging
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / diagnostic imaging
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Prospective Studies
  • Trabeculectomy / adverse effects*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Uveal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Uveal Diseases / etiology