Diagnostic anterior chamber paracentesis in uveitis: a safe procedure?
Department of Ophthalmology, F C Donders Institute,
University Hospital Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Correspondence to: A Van der Lelij, MD, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands.
Accepted for publication 10 June 1997
BACKGROUND
Differentiation between infectious and
non-infectious uveitis is of crucial value for accurate management of
patients with uveitis. Tests performed on aqueous humour yield more
relevant information than those done in serum. The objective of this
study was to evaluate whether the aqueous humour tap for diagnostic purposes is a safe procedure to perform in uveitis patients.
METHODSIn this retrospective study 361 patients
with uveitis, who underwent a diagnostic anterior chamber paracentesis
in an outpatient clinic, were investigated. 72 of the 361 patients were
examined 30 minutes after the puncture. The site of the paracentesis,
the depth of the anterior chamber, and cells in the anterior chamber were examined. All 361 patients were evaluated within 2 weeks after the
paracentesis was performed. The final follow up period varied from 6 months to more than 3 years. The clinical data were analysed with the
emphasis on the occurrence of cataract and a history of corneal
infections or endophthalmitis.
RESULTSIn this series no serious side effects
such as cataract, keratitis, or endophthalmitis were observed. The
depth of the anterior chamber of all evaluated patients was restored
after 30 minutes. In five out of 72 cases (three AIDS patients with
cytomegalovirus retinitis and two patients with anterior uveitis due to
herpes simplex virus) a small hyphaema was observed 30 minutes after the paracentesis took place.
CONCLUSIONAnterior chamber paracentesis appears
to be a safe procedure in the hands of an experienced ophthalmologist.
© 1997 by British Journal of Ophthalmology
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