Experimental vitreous haemorrhage: echographic appearances.

Vitreous haemorrhages were induced in rabbits and the echographic appearances of A and B scan were correlated with the gross and histologic appearances over a period of twenty weeks. In all cases, visible vitreous opacities produced distinct echo patterns. As the haemorrhages cleared, the echo amplitudes became progressively weaker. Several patterns of vitreous "membranes" on B scan were also observed. Pathological examination revealed that such membranes were composed of red cells, macrophages and condensed vitreous collagen. It is suggested that haematogenous vitreous membranes of this type are readily diagnosed by combined A- and B-scan ultrasonic examination, and are probably amenable to surgery.