Ophthalmic Ultrasound—A Practical Guide
Ophthalmic Ultrasound—A Practical Guide is a textbook for the practitioner of ophthalmic ultrasound. This 156 page monograph comprises nine chapters that address the use of diagnostic ultrasound in ophthalmology. The first two chapters provide a brief introduction and description of the basic requirements for the echographic examination, including instrumentation (A-scan, B-scan, and Doppler) recommended by the author. Although a chapter on the physics of ultrasound is not offered, some of the ultrasound principles are demonstrated in various areas of the book, mainly through line drawings that accompany the echograms.
Examination of the globe is covered in chapters 3 to 6. Screening techniques are explained through the use of plentiful line drawings, photographs and echograms, and a short section on evaluation of the anterior segment using a simple immersion technique is offered. The book also provides techniques for differentiating intraocular lesions as well as a chapter on measuring the axial length and corneal thickness (corneal pachymetry). In chapter 6, the reader will enjoy the correlation of clinical and ultrasound features for vitreoretinal disease, intraocular tumours and trauma in the presence of both opaque and clear ocular media.
The orbital evaluation is addressed in chapters 7 to 9. These chapters cover the detection and differentiation of vascular malformations and orbital mass lesions as well as evaluation of the extraocular muscles and optic nerves. Also included are brief sections on the lacrimal gland, Doppler ultrasound, and periorbital cavities. Those ultrasonographers who evaluate patients with orbital disease will have a particular interest in chapter 9 which is organised by the common signs and symptoms of orbital disease. Examples of lesions which can cause these signs and symptoms are shown along with a description of their echographic features.
The author, Dr Hatem Atta, is a respected practitioner of ophthalmic ultrasound who has condensed his many years of experience into a useful guide for both the aspiring and seasoned practitioner. His correlation of clinical and ultrasound findings and use of creative line drawings with clinical photographs and carefully selected echograms greatly enhance this book’s value to the field of ophthalmic ultrasound.
