Choroid Detachment,a Rare Cause of Vision Loss Diagnosed by Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Background

Choroid detachment is a rare disease process that has a multitude of etiologies; usually related to recent ophthalmological surgery, eye trauma, corneal ulcers, or intraocular pressure-lowering agents. Point-of-care ocular ultrasound has high utility and accuracy in diagnosing pathology of the eye.

Case Report

We present a case of a patient who presented with vision loss caused by a choroid detachment diagnosed on point-of-care ultrasound because fundoscopic examination was limited due to cataracts. Ultrasound findings based on location and appearance during both static and dynamic evaluation that help differentiate a choroid vs. a retinal detachment are also described.

Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This?

Choroid detachments have a different sonographic appearance, as well as management, compared to a retinal detachment.