"Don't miss the globe" - Study of diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography in detecting open globe injury

The purpose is to determine the computed tomography (CT) characteristics of open globe injury and establish the relative accuracy and reliability of various features on CT. Second, to assess the significance of a difference in the anterior chamber depths (ACDs) on CT in cases of open globe injury.

The diagnostic database of our radiology department was retrospectively reviewed to obtain details of patients with a history of blunt or penetrating injury to the orbit between September 2018 and March 2021. A total of 190 patients (144 males and 46 females) were included. A radiologist analyzed the CT scans without prior knowledge of ophthalmologic findings or surgical outcomes. Operative and ophthalmic examination findings were considered the gold standard for comparison.

Out of 190 injured globes, the final clinical diagnosis confirmed 54 (28.4%) open globe injuries and 136 (71.5%) closed globe injuries. Between the two groups, intraocular hemorrhage, lens dislocation, lens injury or absence, intraocular foreign body, intraocular air, wall/contour defect, and ACD change were considered statistically significant (P < 0.05). The average sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of CT in diagnosing open globe injury were 71.3%, 98.5%, 83.6%, 95.75%, and 94.9%, respectively.

Globe contour deformity or defect, intraocular hemorrhage, and a change in ACD were the three most predictive signs of open globe injury. CT is of valuable help in a multi-trauma setting and in an uncooperative patient for ophthalmological examination to draw attention to globe injury. However, CT examination alone is insufficient in detecting all cases of open globe injury. There is a need for a more collaborative approach among emergency physicians, ophthalmologists, and radiologists.