Retinal detachment due to facial gunshot wound: the utility of ultrasonography in a medically austere environment

Background

Retinal detachment is one complication of ocular trauma. Retinal detachments resulting from gunshot wounds are typically associated with significant facial trauma, orbital trauma, or globe penetration. Ultrasonography has been shown to be of diagnostic utility in the evaluation of retinal detachments.

Objectives

In this case, an atypical mechanism for retinal detachment is described. The aim is to describe the successful use of ultrasound as an aid for accurate diagnosis and disposition of a retinal detachment in practice environments with limited medical resources.

Case Report

We present a case of a low-velocity gunshot wound resulting in retinal detachment from pressure wave forces. A 21-year-old patient sustained a facial gunshot wound injury from a ricocheting AK-47 round, resulting in a closed globe retinal detachment. Portable ultrasonography was utilized as an accurate diagnostic modality in the management and disposition of this patient, allowing prompt confirmation of the diagnosis in a medically austere environment.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography can be a valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of ocular trauma in medically austere environments.