Characteristics of Vitreoretinal Lymphoma in B-Scan Ultrasonography: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

To explore the characteristics of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) in B-scan ultrasonography. Single-center case-control study. A total of 106 eyes of 56 biopsy-proven VRL patients, and 86 eyes of 59 patients with uveitis were included. B-scan ultrasonography was performed to the included eyes. Evaluated were the ultrasonographic signs, as well as a special pattern termed centrifugal condensation which referred to the peripherally hyperreflective appearance of the vitreous haze in ultrasonography. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), vitreoretinal adhesion, location of vitreous haze, thickening or occupying lesions of the retina, retinal detachment and centrifugal condensation pattern of vitreous haze were evaluated through B-scan ultrasonography. The incidences of these signs were compared between the two groups; odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. The incidence of vitreoretinal adhesion in VRL patients (6/106) was lower than in uveitis patients (20/86; P=0.001; OR=0.195, 95%CI: 0.073-0.522). The incidence of retinal thickening or occupying lesions in VRL patients (21/106) was higher than in uveitis patients (1/86; P=0.005; OR=19.068, 95%CI: 2.455-148.265). The incidences of posterior vitreous detachment and retinal detachment were of no significant difference between two groups (P=0.453 and P=0.310, respectively). The centrifugal condensation pattern was more likely to be observed in VRL patients (49/106) than in uveitis patients (13/86; P<0.001; OR=4.831, 95%CI: 2.416-9.660). B-scan ultrasonography could help to provide clues to the suspicion of VRL. Thickening or occupying lesions of the retina and centrifugal condensation pattern of vitreous haze might be suggestive of VRL.