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Calcified scleral plaques imaged on orbital computed tomography.
R N Gordon1, T L Slamovits, P S Rosenbaum
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA. rgordon@mail.abest.com
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 28, 1999
Summary
Calcified scleral plaques are common findings on orbital computed tomography (CT) scans, particularly in patients over 70. Radiologists should consider these plaques in the differential diagnosis of ocular calcifications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Orbital computed tomography (CT) is crucial for diagnosing ocular pathologies.
- Calcified scleral plaques are a potential finding on orbital CT scans.
- Distinguishing these plaques from other intraocular calcifications, such as foreign bodies, is important for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the prevalence and characteristics of calcified scleral plaques on orbital CT scans.
- To assess the association between age and the presence of calcified scleral plaques.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 145 orbital CT scans performed between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 1994, was conducted.
- Scans were analyzed to determine the presence or absence of calcified scleral plaques.
- Prevalence was calculated overall and stratified by age, specifically for patients older than 70 years.
Main Results:
- Calcified scleral plaques were identified in 6.2% (9 out of 145) of the reviewed scans.
- In patients older than 70 years, the prevalence of calcified scleral plaques was higher, observed in 22.6% (7 out of 31) of scans.
Conclusions:
- Calcified scleral plaques are a common finding on orbital CT scans, especially in the elderly population.
- Ophthalmologists and radiologists should be aware of this finding to differentiate it from other intraocular calcifications.
- Inclusion of calcified scleral plaques in the differential diagnosis of ocular calcifications can improve diagnostic accuracy.