IS Case 435: Phthisis bulbi

Jeremy Sykes, MD

University of Rochester

Imaging Sciences URMC 2010
Publication Date: 2010-08-27

History

Patient is a 44-year-old male with vertigo and left-sided weakness.

Findings

See images

Diagnosis

Phthisis bulbi

Discussion

Phthisis bulbi refers to a calcified, shrunken non-functioning globe. This abnormality of the globe indicates end-stage change from a number of possible causes. These may include post-infectious, post-inflammatory, post-traumatic, or post-surgical etiologies. Severe ocular disease such as untreated retinal detachment may also lead to phthisis bulbi. Calcification or ossification usually begins in the posterior pole of the globe and progresses anteriorly toward the ciliary body. CT features include a small and often disorganized globe with partial or complete calcification of the rim. It is an incidental finding and reflects a chronic process.

References

  1. Williams AL, Haughton VM, eds. Cranial computed tomography: a comprehensive text. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby, 1985:567.
  2. Weissleder R. Primer of Diagnostic Imaging. 4th Ed. Mosby Elsevier, 2007:656.
  3. Lane JI, Watson RE Jr, Witte RJ, McCannel CA. Retinal detachment: imaging of surgical treatments and complications. Radiographics. 2003 Jul-Aug;23(4):983-94. PMID: 12853675

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