Longitudinal study of anterior segment inflammation by ultrasound biomicroscopy in patients with acute anterior uveitis

• Published in: Acta ophthalmologica (Oxford, England) England), 2009-03, Vol.87 (2), p.211-215
• Main Authors: Peizeng, Yang, Qianli, Meng, Xiangkun, Huang, Hongyan, Zhou, Li, Wang, Kijlstra, Aize
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acute anterior uveitis; Acute Disease; Adrenal Cortex Hormones - administration & dosage; Adult; Aged; Anterior Eye Segment - diagnostic imaging; anterior segment inflammation; Female; Humans; Inflammation - diagnostic imaging; Inflammation - drug therapy; Livestock Research; Longitudinal Studies; longitudinal study; LR - Backoffice; Male; Microscopy, Acoustic; Middle Aged; Mydriatics - administration & dosage; Onderzoek; Ophthalmic Solutions; Treatment Outcome; ultrasound microscopy; Uveitis, Anterior - diagnostic imaging; Uveitis, Anterior - drug therapy; Wageningen Livestock Research; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1755-375X; 1755-3768
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2008.01194.x

. Purpose:  This study aimed to investigate dynamic changes in the anterior segment in patients with acute anterior uveitis (AAU) using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Methods:  Acute anterior uveitis was diagnosed in 18 patients according to history and ocular examinations. Ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed and the results at three time‐points (within 2 weeks of the uveitis attack, and at 2−4 weeks and 6 weeks after it) were analysed. The relationships between clinical manifestations and UBM findings were also evaluated. Results:  All investigated AAU patients showed severe ciliary injection, numerous dust keratic precipitates (KPs), aqueous flare and inflammatory cells, and were treated predominantly with corticosteroid and cycloplegic eyedrops. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed a large number of cells in the anterior and posterior chamber, marked oedema and exudates in and around the iris and ciliary body within 2 weeks of AAU onset. These abnormalities were dramatically improved at 2−4 weeks and almost resolved at 6 weeks and thereafter. Conclusions:  Ultrasound biomicroscopy reveals severe inflammatory changes in and around the ciliary body in patients with AAU. These signs rapidly resolve upon treatment.