Echographic evaluation of a patient with diabetes and dense vitreous hemorrhage: An avulsed retinal vessel may mimic a tractional retinal detachment

PURPOSE: To report that an avulsed retinal vessel may appear as a tractiona l retinal detachment on echographic evaluation. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 57-year-old diabetic woman presented with a nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage of 2 months duration in the left eye. Echography was consistent with a localized tractional retinal detachment on longitudinal sections; t ransverse sections demonstrated a pinpoint opacity in the vitreous cavity. Intraoperatively, an avulsed retinal vessel was noted in the area of echogr aphic abnormality. CONCLUSION: An avulsed retinal vessel may mimic tractional retinal detachme nt on echography. Although trained ophthalmic echographers routinely perfor m both longitudinal and transverse sections during an echographic evaluatio n, less skilled observers must be aware of the importance of performing bot h longitudinal and transverse sections for accurate echographic diagnosis. (Am J Ophthalmol 2001;131:515-516. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc. All ri ghts reserved).