Ultrasound-guided cryotherapy for retinal tears in patients with vitreous hemorrhage

The goal was to utilize ultrasound-guided cryotherapy as an immediate, low-risk, noninvasive, precise method of treating retinal tears obscured by vitreous hemorrhage.

Eleven patients with sudden onset of vitreous hemorrhage were referred for diagnosis and management. Ophthalmoscopy with scleral depression was unsuccessful at localizing peripheral retinal tears, and all of the patients were examined with ultrasound using the techniques of standardized echography. The cryoprobe was positioned for cryotherapy using both transverse and longitudinal B-scan approaches following the indentation of the globe as it appeared on the oscilloscope.

On follow-up examination after the vitreous hemorrhage cleared, 10 of the 11 tears were examined by ophthalmoscopy and were thought to have been adequately treated. One patient had a retinal detachment after remaining stable for 3 months. Two patients were treated with laser to enhance the cryotherapy seal. One patient was observed by another physician and underwent vitrectomy due to vitreous hemorrhage that persisted 2 months following cryotherapy. After vitrectomy, the physician reported a successful cryotherapy reaction at the treated tear. One final patient in the series required vitrectomy and scleral buckle before the hemorrhage had cleared, and the treatment did not appear to be complete.

Ultrasound-guided cryotherapy provides a noninvasive, inexpensive treatment alternative for retinal tears obscured by vitreous hemorrhage.