Ocular Ultrasound

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Ocular US: Basics & Technique - Eye Spy Setup

  • Indications: Trauma, retinal/vitreous detachment, foreign body, tumor, optic nerve pathology; crucial with opaque media (e.g., cataract, vitreous hemorrhage).
  • Probe: High-frequency linear transducer (7.5-15 MHz).
  • Patient Position: Supine, eye closed.
  • Technique:
    • Copious sterile gel on closed eyelid (or Tegaderm barrier).
    • Scan in transverse & longitudinal planes.
    • Apply gentle pressure.
    • Patient eye movements to visualize all quadrants.
    • Optimize gain & depth.

⭐ Ocular ultrasound is a rapid, non-invasive tool for evaluating posterior segment structures when direct ophthalmoscopy is hindered by media opacities (e.g., cataract, vitreous hemorrhage).

Ocular US: Normal Anatomy - Crystal Clear Views

Ocular Ultrasound: Normal Anatomy Labeled Diagram

  • Probe: High-frequency linear probe (7.5-15 MHz).
  • Technique: Closed eyelid, copious gel. Transverse & sagittal views.
  • Key Structures (Anterior to Posterior):
    • Cornea: Thin, hyperechoic anterior line.
    • Anterior Chamber (AC): Anechoic (black) space.
    • Iris & Ciliary Body: Hyperechoic, anterior to lens.
    • Lens: Biconvex. Hyperechoic capsules, anechoic/hypoechoic nucleus.
    • Vitreous Chamber: Largest segment, normally completely anechoic.
    • Retina-Choroid-Sclera (RCS) complex: Hyperechoic layer lining posterior globe.
    • Optic Nerve: Hypoechoic, retrobulbar. Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD) is key.

⭐ The normal vitreous humor is anechoic; presence of echoes suggests pathology like hemorrhage or inflammation.

Ocular US: Key Pathologies - Trouble in Sight

  • Retinal Detachment (RD):
    • Echogenic membrane, often V-shape (total), anchored at optic disc & ora serrata.
    • Restricted, undulating ("guitar string") movement; "tethered" on kinetic scan.
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage (VH):
    • Mobile, low-medium amplitude echoes ("snowstorm" appearance).
    • Swirls freely with eye movement; may layer inferiorly.
  • Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD):
    • Thin, mobile, undulating membrane; Weiss ring (annular opacity) possible.
    • More mobile than RD.
  • Lens Dislocation/Subluxation:
    • Lens displaced from normal position; may be found in vitreous.
  • Intraocular Foreign Body (IOFB):
    • Highly hyperechoic focus; posterior acoustic shadowing or reverberation artifact.
  • Globe Rupture:
    • Signs: "Flat tire" sign (abnormal globe contour), ↓anterior chamber depth, vitreous hemorrhage.
  • Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD):
    • Measure 3 mm posterior to globe. Normal < 5 mm.
    • 5.0-5.8 mm suggests ↑ICP.

⭐ Dynamic (kinetic) scanning (patient eye movement) is key: differentiates RD (less mobile, tethered) from VH/PVD (freely mobile).

Ocular US: ONSD & Special Findings - Nerve Watch & Finds

  • Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD)
    • Assesses for ↑ Intracranial Pressure (ICP).
    • Probe: High-frequency linear (7.5-10 MHz).
    • Measurement: 3 mm posterior to the globe, transverse plane.
    • Normal: < 5.0 mm.

    ⭐ An ONSD greater than 5.0 mm (measured 3 mm posterior to the globe) is a strong indicator of intracranial pressure > 20 mmHg.

    • Cut-off for ↑ ICP: > 5.0 mm (often 5.0-5.8 mm considered grey zone).
  • Key Pathological Findings
    • Papilledema: Optic disc elevation, blurred margins; ONSD often ↑.
    • Retinal Detachment: Mobile, echogenic membrane; "V-shape" or "flapping sail" sign.
    • Vitreous Hemorrhage: Mobile, low-level echoes in vitreous; may obscure posterior structures.
    • Globe Rupture: ↓ globe size, irregular contour ("flat tire" sign), anterior chamber collapse.
    • Intraocular Foreign Body (IOFB): Hyperechoic focus with posterior acoustic shadowing or comet-tail artifact.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Ocular ultrasound (OUS) uses a high-frequency linear probe (7.5-15 MHz) on a closed eyelid with ample gel.
  • Indications: trauma, foreign body, retinal/vitreous detachment, optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) for ICP.
  • ONSD >5.8 mm (measured 3 mm posterior to globe) suggests ↑ICP. Normal is <5 mm.
  • Retinal detachment: Mobile, linear echogenic structure ("V-sign", "flapping wing").
  • Vitreous hemorrhage: Mobile, low-amplitude echoes ("snowstorm", "washing machine" sign).
  • Suspected globe rupture: Relative contraindication; use extreme caution, minimal pressure, and copious gel an alternative to "ample gel" if needed for precision but ample is fine for conciseness here. Let's stick to ample gel as it was in the thought process and fits the word count well.
  • Suspected globe rupture: Relative contraindication; use extreme caution and copious gel (or avoid if possible).

Practice Questions: Ocular Ultrasound

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Ultrasound is the investigation of choice for

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Flashcards: Ocular Ultrasound

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What is the characteristic location of PDPH?_____

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What is the characteristic location of PDPH?_____

Frontal and/or occipital

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