Toxic shock syndrome after mastoidectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of topical aqueous humor suppressants on the absorption of intravitreal perfluorocarbon gases. METHODS: Sulfur hexafluoride or perfluoropropane was injected intravitreally in five rabbits. Time to gas disappearance was measured in eyes treated with topical aqueous humor suppressants and in those not treated. RESULTS: The mean time (+/- SD) to disappearance of 0.4 cc of sulfur hexafluoride was 5.6 +/- 0.9 days, which was prolonged by 43% to 8.0 +/- 0.7 days with topical aqueous humor suppressants (P = .009). The mean time (+/- SD) to disappearance of 0.2 cc of perfluoropropane was 18.4 +/- 1.9 days, which was prolonged by 55% to 28.6 +/- 2.7 days with topical aqueous humor suppressants (P = .009). CONCLUSION: Aqueous suppressants prolong sulfur hexafluoride and perfluoropropane intravitreal gas bubble duration in rabbits.