The role of intraoperative optical coherence tomography in pediatric hyphema: a case report

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) is a valuable tool during vitreoretinal surgery, helping the decision-making process. It is particularly useful in pediatric cases to evaluate the macular anatomy intraoperatively, avoiding further potentially dangerous surgery in children. The aim of this report is to describe the role of integrated iOCT in the management of traumatic hyphema in a pediatric patient.

A 5-year-old girl was referred to our department with a history of recent domestic trauma in her right eye. Massive bleeding in the anterior chamber without visualization of the posterior segment was evident. Surgery was planned for the next day under general anesthesia. A 25-G irrigation cannula and 25-G vitrectome were inserted at the limbus into the anterior chamber for removal of the anterior chamber clot. Careful inspection of the posterior pole and retinal periphery to exclude pathologic findings was carried out. A real-time OCT integrated system was used to assess the macular anatomy and the corneal state. The postoperative course was uneventful and full visual recovery was achieved.

The objective confirmation of macular integrity by means of iOCT after anterior chamber clearing had great prognostic value, excluding the need for surgical revision with a second general anesthesia in this young patient.