Temporal B-Scan Ultrasonography Findings and their Relation to Visual Outcomes in Endophthalmitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular inflammation often leading to vision loss.
• Early diagnosis and prognostic indicators are crucial for effective management.
• B-scan ultrasonography is a valuable tool for evaluating intraocular structures in endophthalmitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the correlation between B-scan echographic features and endophthalmitis characteristics.
• To determine the predictive value of B-scan findings for long-term vision outcomes in endophthalmitis patients.
• To identify specific B-scan features associated with disease severity and visual prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 209 endophthalmitis patients from 2011-2021.
• Data collection included demographics, infection source, treatment, microbial cultures, visual acuity, slit lamp, and B-scan ultrasonography findings.
• Correlation of B-scan features (e.g., vitreous opacities, T-sign, retinal detachment, choroidal detachment) with clinical data and visual outcomes.

Main Results:

• Positive microbial cultures were associated with dense vitreous debris on B-scan.
• Difficult anterior chamber visualization correlated with retinal detachment (RD), T-sign, and worse visual acuity.
• Dense vitreous opacities (VO), choroidal detachment (CD), RD, and T-sign were independently associated with poorer initial and final visual acuity.

Conclusions:

• B-scan echography reveals features predictive of endophthalmitis severity and visual prognosis.
• Dense VO, CD, RD, and T-sign are significant indicators of worse vision outcomes.
• Microbial culture results and specific B-scan findings aid in predicting long-term vision in endophthalmitis.