B-MODE ULTRASONOGRAPHY - SPECTRUM OF PEDIATRIC OCULAR DISEASE

Background: Despite having appropriate sonographic equipment available many radiologists remain unfamiliar with B mode sonography of the eye . Objective: This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of B mode sonography of the paediatric eye. We illustrate the spectrum of eye abnormalities occurring in paediatric practice and the sonographi c appearance of clinical entities for which sonography is appropriate. Materials and method: We reviewed our experience of eye sonography wi thin a paediatric radiology department over 8 years. A total of 212 so nographic examinations were performed on 206 eyes in 103 children, age d from 3 days to 16 years (mean 4.6 years). Results: Sonography was we ll tolerated by the children, was a very useful imaging modality and w as the only diagnostic imaging modality required in 94%. Supplementary computed tomography (CT) was performed in ten of 206 eyes (5%) and ma gnetic resonance imaging (MR) was performed in two of 206 eyes (1%). C onclusions: B mode sonography is a very useful imaging modality for su spected ocular or orbital pathology in children and is often the appro priate first line investigation following clinical evaluation. Radiolo gists familiar with sonography of the eye can provide valuable support to their ophthalmology colleagues. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.