Seidel sign

Seidel sign is a medical term used to describe the leakage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye, usually as a result of a penetrating injury. It is named after the German ophthalmologist Ernst Seidel, who first described it.

Overview

The Seidel sign is a clinical finding that is used to diagnose a globe rupture or a wound leak following eye surgery. It is observed when a stream of aqueous humor, the clear fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye, leaks from a wound and mixes with a dye that has been applied to the surface of the eye. This causes a dark stream to appear in the dye, indicating the presence of a leak.

Clinical significance

The Seidel sign is a critical finding in the evaluation of patients with suspected globe rupture, a serious condition that can lead to loss of vision if not promptly treated. It is also used to detect wound leaks following eye surgery, which can lead to complications such as endophthalmitis, a serious infection of the interior of the eye.

Diagnosis

The Seidel test is performed by applying a dye, usually fluorescein, to the surface of the eye and then examining the eye under a slit lamp. If a leak is present, the aqueous humor will cause a dark stream to appear in the dye. This is the Seidel sign.

Treatment

Treatment of a positive Seidel sign depends on the underlying cause. If the sign is due to a globe rupture, emergency surgery is usually required to repair the wound and prevent further leakage of aqueous humor. If the sign is due to a wound leak following surgery, the treatment may involve additional surgery to repair the leak, or the use of medications to reduce the production of aqueous humor.

See also

• Globe rupture
• Endophthalmitis
• Fluorescein
• Slit lamp

Seidel sign Resources
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