Ocular echography in the prognosis of vitreous haemorrhage in type II diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE

In this study, we have attempted to demonstrate the presence of various echographic parameters which could be associated with a non-spontaneous resorption of vitreous haemorrhage in type II diabetes mellitus and correlate these parameters with clinical outcome.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We studied 297 eyes of 257 patients with diabetic retinopathy and vitreous haemorrhage without tractional macular retinal detachment ophthalmoscopically and echographically. Of the total eyes studied, a 3-month follow-up visit (including ultrasound) was available in 208 eyes. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of each patient.

RESULTS

The echographic parameters associated with non-resorption of the vitreous haemorrhage were: extramacular tractional retinal detachment, fibrovascular membranes and location of the haemorrhage within the subhyaloidal space (in contrast to within the intragel space). In addition, the duration of the vitreous haemorrhage and the presence of panretinal laser photocoagulation at the time of presentation with a vitreous haemorrhage influenced the resolution of the vitreous haemorrhage. We were also able to construct a logarithmic function that could be used to predict the prognosis of a vitreous haemorrhage in type II diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS

When employed to evaluate vitreous haemorrhages in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, ocular ultrasound can provide useful prognostic information regarding the lack of resorption of vitreous haemorrhages in type II diabetics.