Physical Address

304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

Anterior chamber perforation


Key points

  • Definition: Anterior chamber perforation causes loss of aqueous humor resulting in flattening or obliteration of the space between the lens and cornea.

  • Classic clue: The patient presents with potentially penetrating eye trauma, and is found to have a small anterior chamber compared with the contralateral eye.

    FIGURE 5-1 ■, A, Axial nonenhanced computed tomography (NECT) showing loss of fluid in right anterior chamber causing cornea to contact lens. B, Axial NECT displaying complete collapse of right anterior chamber with cornea contacting lens.

    FIGURE 5-2 ■, A, Axial nonenhanced computed tomography (NECT) demonstrating partial collapse of right anterior chamber secondary to perforation. B, Axial NECT demonstrating partial collapse of right anterior chamber secondary to perforation.

Imaging

Computed tomography features

  • Imaging may be requested to locate intraocular or intraorbital foreign bodies.

  • The patient may require computed tomography (CT) to visualize associated cranial, facial or orbital trauma.

  • Nonenhanced CT is usually the first imaging performed.

  • It is important for radiologists to evaluate the anterior chamber size and lens position carefully and to compare the injured side with the opposite uninjured side.

  • Anterior chamber perforation is usually unilateral.

Magnetic resonance imaging features

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be contraindicated until metallic foreign bodies have been excluded by radiography or CT.

  • Once metallic foreign bodies have been excluded by history or imaging, MRI may be used to provide excellent anatomic detail.

  • MRI has a limited but valuable role, particularly for evaluating the optic nerve (ON).

  • See Chapter 33 : Cataracts: Before and After.

You're Reading a Preview

Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles

Become membership

If you are a member. Log in here

Related Posts