[Diagnostic vitrectomy in intraocular inflammations: A retrospective series]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Diagnostics
• Oncology

Background:

• Uveitis of unknown origin presents a diagnostic challenge.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and visual prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic yield of vitrectomy in identifying the cause of uveitis with unknown etiology.
• To assess the functional outcome, specifically visual acuity, following diagnostic vitrectomy for uveitis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing diagnostic vitrectomy for uveitis.
• Vitreous sample analysis using cytology, immunohistochemistry, and microbiological techniques (PCR, culture).
• Comparison of pre-operative and post-operative visual acuity at one and six months.

Main Results:

• A diagnosis was established in 36% of cases (14 out of 39 vitrectomies).
• Intraocular lymphoma was the most frequent diagnosis (10 cases), followed by amyloidosis and infections.
• Visual acuity significantly improved post-vitrectomy (p<0.001 at 1 month, p=0.054 at 6 months).

Conclusions:

• Diagnostic vitrectomy with comprehensive vitreous analysis is effective in diagnosing the cause of idiopathic uveitis.
• Intraocular lymphoma is a significant diagnosis to consider in unexplained uveitis.
• Vitrectomy offers functional benefits, improving visual acuity in a majority of patients.