Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Eyes Treated With Silicone Oil

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting retinal detachment (RD) in eyes filled with silicone oil, and to determine the MITT characteristics of silicone oil in vivo. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven eyes of seven patients with RD and eight eyes of eight patients without RD after silicone oil surgery were included in the study. All of the patients had clear media. MITT was performed in these patients. The results of ophthalmic examinations were compared with MITT findings. RESULTS: MITT detected six of the seven detached retinas. The multiplanar imaging capability of MITT helped in showing the RDs in various locations. The chemical shift artifact exaggerated the retinal thickness and made the detached retina visible. Fat suppressed images showed the silicone oil-corneal contact clearly. CONCLUSION: MITT is an effective technique for demonstrating RD in eyes filled with silicone oil and can be used successfully in eyes with opaque media.