The pattern of pathologies in b-scan ocular ultrasound at KNH.

Abstract

Introduction: The superficial location of the eye, its cystic structure, and the introduction of high-resolution and high frequency ultrasound have made ultrasound ideal for imaging the eye. Since the introduction of ocular ultrasound in the 1950s, its usefulness has steadily grown.1 Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of pathologies in patients referred for ocular ultrasound at KNH. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed at the KNH ophthalmology clinic ultrasound room. All patients referred for an ocular ultrasound during a four-month study period (November 2015 – February 2016) were recruited into the study. Diagnostic ultrasound was performed using a high resolution and high-frequency probe on the affected eye. A data collection sheet was used to record the ultrasound findings. The data was thereafter be analysed using the SPSS version 21.0.Statistical significance was calculated at 95% confidence interval. Ocular findings were stratified by sex, age group and affected eye. Findings were presented in the form of tables, charts and graphs. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that males were affected more than females while the right eye was more affected than the left eye. The four most common sonographic diagnoses were retinoblastoma, vitreous haemorrhage, vitreous detachment and endophthalmitis. Retinoblastoma was seen significantly in the less than ten age groups while vitreous haemorrhage and detachment occurred significantly in the 30-45 age groups. Ultrasound was able to accurately diagnose ocular conditions and contribute to better patient management