AIM: To analyze, summarize and describe ophthalmic imaging features of posterior scleritis.

METHODS: Clinical data of 16 patients(21 eyes)with posterior scleritis diagnosed in our hospital from October 2008 to June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The results of type-B ultrasonic, fundus chromophotograph, fundus fluorescein angiography, CT were recorded for comprehensive evaluation and analysis of ophthalmic imaging features of posterior scleritis.

RESULTS: All patients underwent type-B ultrasonic examination and manifested as diffuse and nodular types. The diffuse type showed diffusely thickened sclera and a dark hypoechoic area that connected with the optic nerve to form a typical “T”-shaped sign. The nodular type showed scleral echogenic nodules and relatively regular internal structure. FFA showed that relatively weak mottled fluorescences were visible in the arterial early phase and strong multiple needle-like fluorescences were visible in the arteriovenous phase, which were then progressively larger and fused; fluorescein was leaked to the subretinal tissue in the late phase; varying degrees of strong fluorescences with less clear or unclear boundaries were visible in the optic disk. CT results showed thickened eyeball wall.

CONCLUSION: Posterior scleritis is common in young female patients, whose ophthalmic imaging features are varied and more specific in type-B ultrasonic. Selection of rational ophthalmic imaging examination method, combined with clinical manifestations, can accurately diagnose posterior scleritis and avoid the incidence of missed and delayed diagnosis.