Comparison of localization of orbital foreign bodies by radiologic and ultrasonic methods.

Abstract

Seventeen eyes with suspected ocular foreign bodies were studied by ultrasonic and radiographic techniques. The methods used for examination of the patients in this study were artificial because of the absence of information afforded the laboratory physician. The laboratory data had to be obtained and interpreted under conditions almost devoid of clinical information. Comparison of the two methods revealed agreement in cases where no foreign body was present (three eyes). In the presence of single intraocular foreign bodies, there was good correlation. Multiple foreign bodies and intralenticular and intrascleral foreign bodies were missed ultrasonically and detected radiologically. From this study, it would appear that ultrasound is a valuable complementary and confirmatory technique, but not a substitute for radiographic diagnosis and localization of intraocular foreign bodies.