Diagnostic Aqueous Sampling at University Hospital Southampton for Infectious Retinitis
Purpose
1. To investigate the clinical indication and outcomes of the aqueous sampling for infectious retinitis
2. To assess whether undertaking diagnostic aqueous sampling for infectious retinitis led to a change in management
3. To evaluate the visual acuity outcomes in those patients having undergone aqueous sampling and subsequent intravitreal treatment
Methods
We searched for the number of patients that had undergone an anterior chamber (AC) tap between 1st January 2020 to 1st January 2023 using the Medisoft Audit Tool. We analysed the patient demographics, indication for AC tap, diagnosis, visual outcomes and treatment following the AC tap.
Results
A total of 46 AC taps were recorded in 42 patients over the 3-year period. 32 cases had an AC tap done for diagnostic purposes. Of the 32, 17 cases (53.1%) were of posterior uveitis and the remaining 15 cases, AC taps were performed for exogenous (12.5%) or endogenous endophthalmitis (34.4%). 56% (9 out of 17 cases) yielded positive viral PCR results with 41% of the results were made available within 24 hours. 11 of the 17 cases led to a change of management following the AC tap which include either a change to the systemic anti-microbial treatment and/or a decision to start systemic corticosteroids. Overall, all patients presenting with at least 6/60 vision retained their visual acuity with 50% of patients had a vision of 6/24 or better. Poorer visual outcomes were associated for those with HM vision or worse, which is related to macular involvement or as a result of a complication related to the disease.
Conclusion
We have found that AC tap is a useful diagnostic tool for the management of infectious retinitis.
Conflict of interest
No
Authors 1
Last name
KALOGEROPOULOS
Initials of first name(s)
D
Department
Uveitis Service, University of Southampton
City
Southampton
Country
United Kingdom
Authors 2
Last name
RAHMAN
Initials of first name(s)
N
Department
Uveitis Service, University of Southampton
City
Southampton
Country
United Kingdom
Authors 3
Last name
KAHN
Initials of first name(s)
A
Department
Uveitis Service, University of Southampton
City
Southampton
Country
United Kingdom
Authors 4
Last name
HALL
Initials of first name(s)
N
Department
Uveitis Service, University of Southampton
City
Southampton
Country
United Kingdom
Authors 5
Last name
AFSHAR
Initials of first name(s)
F
Department
Uveitis Service, University of Southampton
City
Uveitis Service, University of Southampton
Country
United Kingdom
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more