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

To determine the value of anterior chamber paracentesis with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with anterior uveitis. Retrospective observational case series. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Fifty-three patients with a diagnosis of anterior uveitis who underwent anterior chamber paracentesis with PCR. Anterior chamber paracentesis with PCR of aqueous fluid. Diagnostic utility and frequency of management change based on anterior chamber paracentesis and PCR. 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. Anterior chamber paracentesis with PCR had a relatively low diagnostic utility and resulted in few management changes in patients with suspected infectious anterior uveitis.