The diagnostic utility of anterior chamber paracentesis with polymerase chain reaction in anterior uveitis.

PURPOSE: To determine the value of anterior chamber paracentesis with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with anterior uveitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

SETTING

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

PATIENT POPULATION: Fifty-three patients with a diagnosis of anterior uveitis who underwent anterior chamber paracentesis with PCR.

OBSERVATION PROCEDURES: Anterior chamber paracentesis with PCR of aqueous fluid.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Diagnostic utility and frequency of management change based on anterior chamber paracentesis and PCR.

RESULTS

There were 15 of 53 (28%) acute and 35 of 53 (65%) chronic anterior uveitis patients. PCR positivity of herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, and Epstein-Barr virus in our population were 4 of 53 (8%), 1 of 47 (2%), 1 of 35 (3%), and 1 of 18 (6%). Overall, 7 of 53 patients (13%) had a change in management because of PCR results from anterior chamber paracentesis. Four patients encountered paracentesis complications (4/53, 7.5%), 1 with long-term sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior chamber paracentesis with PCR had a relatively low diagnostic utility and resulted in few management changes in patients with suspected infectious anterior uveitis.