SD-OCT assessment and visual field changes 1 year or more after a single episode of unilateral acute primary angle closure / Avaliação do SD-OCT e mudanças do campo visual 1 ano ou mais após episódio único de fechamento angular primário agudo unilateral

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate structural and visual field (VF) changes after ≥1 year of a single acute primary angle closure (APAC) attack using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and standard automated perimetry (SAP). Methods: Patients with a single unilateral APAC crisis at least 1 year ago were included consecutively from 2013 to 2016. Contralateral eye was used as control. All patients underwent ophthalmic examination, RNFL imaging by SD-OCT, and SAP using Octopus 1-2-3. Results: 54 eyes (27 patients) were enrolled. Male-to-female ratio was 1:2. Mean time for the SD-OCT and SAP assessment after the crisis was 5.0±5.1 (1.0-23.5) years, and IOP was 52.5±9.8 mmHg. In APAC eyes, the thicknesses of all quadrants of peripapillary RNFL (36.3%; P<0.001) and some macular sections (from 2.1% to 4.7%; P<0.01) were reduced compared to contralateral eyes. Additionally, in APAC eyes, the mean defect on VF was negatively and statistically correlated with the reduction of all quadrants of peripapillary RNFL thickness. Conclusion: A single episode of APAC was associated with peripapillary RNFL and macular thickness and with VF defects after ≥1 year of the crisis in the affected eye. Statistically meaningful correlations were found between structural and functional damage.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar alterações estruturais e do campo visual 1 ano ou mais após uma crise única de fechamento angular primário agudo utilizando tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral e perimetria automatizada padronizada. Métodos: Pacientes que apresentaram crise unilateral única de fechamento angular primário agudo há pelo menos 1 ano foram consecutivamente incluídos entre 2013 e 2016. Os olhos contralaterais foram utilizados como controles. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico, avaliação das camadas de fibras nervosas da retina utilizando tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral e perimetria automatizada padronizada com o Octopus 1-2-3. Resultados: Foram incluídos 54 olhos (27 pacientes) com razão homem:mulher de 1:2. O tempo médio após a crise foi de 5,0±5,1 anos (1,0 a 23,5) e a pressão intraocular na crise foi 52,5±9,8mmHg. Nos olhos com fechamento angular primário agudo, todas as espessuras das camadas de fibras nervosas da retina peripapilares (36,3%; p<0,001) e de algumas seções maculares (de 2,1 a 4,7%; p<0,01) estavam reduzidas em comparação aos olhos contralaterais. Além do mais, nos olhos submetidos a fechamento angular primário agudo, o mean defect do campo visual foi estatisticamente e negativamente correlacionado com a redução da espessura de todos os quadrantes peripapilares da camada de fibras nervosas da retina. Conclusão: Um único episódio de fechamento angular primário agudo foi associado com redução na espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina peripapilar e da espessura macular e com defeitos de campo visual 1 ano ou mais após a crise no olho afetado. Correlações estatisticamente significativas foram identificadas entre danos estruturais e funcionais.

Enfermedades sistémicas y glaucoma / Systemic diseases and glaucoma

El glaucoma, considerado el ladrón silencioso de la visión, es la segunda causa de ceguera irreversible en el mundo. A pesar de los avances científicos y tecnológicos no se ha encontrado una cura definitiva para esta enfermedad. Lo más evidente ha sido el control adecuado de los valores de presión intraocular para evitar la progresión del daño del nervio óptico y sus consecuencias en el campo visual, así como la ceguera irreversible. En muchas ocasiones logramos tener la presión intraocular en valores óptimos y aun así la enfermedad avanza, por lo que nos preguntamos qué falló y por qué sucede. No podemos olvidar que el nervio óptico no es lo único que se altera en esta patología; existe evidencia de que se extiende de las células ganglionares de la retina al cuerpo geniculado lateral y a la corteza visual en los hemisferios cerebrales. Ante fenómenos de espasmo, isquemia o bajo flujo, se desencadenan reacciones bioquímicas, estrés oxidativo y otras situaciones que contribuyen al desarrollo de esta neuropatía. Con el objetivo de evaluar con mayor profundidad a los pacientes glaucomatosos, se realizó una revisión sobre la influencia de las más frecuentes enfermedades sistémicas en la neuropatía óptica glaucomatosa(AU)

Glaucoma, also known as the "silent thief of sight", is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Despite the scientific and technological advances achieved in the field, a definitive cure has not been found for this disease. The most evident achievement so far has been the adequate control of intraocular pressure values to prevent the progress of optic nerve damage and its effects on the visual field, as well as irreversible blindness. On many occasions it has been possible to maintain intraocular pressure at optimal values, and even then the disease continues to advance, making us wonder what went wrong and why this happens. It should not be forgotten that the optic nerve is not the only organ affected by this condition. There is evidence that damage extends from retinal ganglion cells to the lateral geniculate body and the visual cortex in cerebral hemispheres. Spasm, ischemia or low flow phenomena trigger biochemical reactions, oxidative stress and other processes contributing to the development of this neuropathy. With the purpose of evaluating glaucoma patients in greater depth, a review was conducted about the influence of a number of very common systemic diseases on glaucomatous optic neuropathy(AU)

Coexistence of papilledema and pseudopapilledema after remission of idiopathic intracranial hypertension by bariatric surgery / Coexistência de papiledema e pseudopapiledema após remissão de hipertensão intracraniana idiopática por cirurgia bariátrica

ABSTRACT A 37-year-old woman complained of headaches following bilateral visual loss in the past two years. She was obese and had undergone bariatric surgery three months earlier, followed by a considerable weight loss. Neuro-ophthalmic examination revealed a bilateral swollen optic disk. After a computerized analysis of the visual fields and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbits, a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension was made. At six months after the bariatric surgery, the patient reported no further headaches and exhibited better findings on computerized analysis of visual fields. However, fundus examination revealed persistent mild papilledema in both eyes. Ocular B-scan ultrasonography showed bilateral optic disk drusen. This report highlights the coexistence of true papilledema and pseudopapilledema due to optic disk drusen, following remission of idiopathic intracranial hypertension after a bariatric surgery.

RESUMO Uma mulher de 37 anos queixou-se de cefaleia após perda visual bilateral nos últimos dois anos. Apresentava história de obesidade e havia sido submetida à cirurgia bariátrica três meses antes, seguida de considerável perda de peso. O exame neuro-oftálmico revelou um disco óptico inchado bilateral. Após uma análise computadorizada dos campos visuais e ressonância magnética do crânio e órbitas, foi feito um diagnóstico de hiper tensão intracraniana idiopática. Após seis meses da cirurgia bariátrica, a paciente não relatou mais cefaleia e foram descobertas melhoras na análise computadorizada dos campos visuais. No entanto, o exame de fundo de olho revelou papiledema leve persistente em ambos os olhos. A ultrassonografia ocular B-scan mostrou drusas do disco óptico bilateralmente. Este relato destaca a coexistência de papiledema verdadeiro e pseudopapiledema devido à drusa de disco óptico após remissão da hipertensão intracraniana idiopática após uma cirurgia bariátrica.

Evolution of optic nerve and retina alterations in a child with indirect traumatic neuropathy as assessed by optical coherence tomography / Evolução das alterações no nervo óptico e na retina em criança com neuropatia traumática indireta avaliadas com tomografia de coerência óptica

ABSTRACT Herein, we describe the case of a 4-year-old child with indirect traumatic optic neuropathy and serial changes of the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) documented using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Visual acuity improved despite progressive RNFL thinning and optic disc pallor. We concluded that OCT may be useful for monitoring axonal loss but may not predict the final visual outcome.

RESUMO Descrição do caso de uma criança de 4 anos de idade com neuropatia óptica traumática indireta, cujas alterações no nervo óptico e na camada de fibras nervosas da retina foram documentadas com tomografia de coerência óptica seriadas. A acuidade visual apresentou melhora apesar da diminuição progressiva da camada de fibras nervosas e da palidez do disco óptico. Em conclusão, a tomografia de coerência óptica pode ser útil para monitorar a perda axonal na neuropatia óptica traumática indireta, sem no entanto, predizer o desfecho visual.

Perioperative optic neuropathy in patients undergoing off‑pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Aims and Objectives: Perioperative optic neuropathy (PON) is a rare, but devastating complication following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). We performed a retrospective study of PON associated with off‑pump CABG (OPCABG) to identify possible risk factors. Materials and Methods: 1442 patients underwent OPCABG over a 10‑month period from October 2008 to August 2009; PON was identified in four (0.28%) patients. A retrospective review of the charts was done to identify the patient characteristics, pre‑operative status, intra‑operative details, and ophthalmic examination details. Friedman test was used to compare the hematocrit (Hct) and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) values across the three time periods: Pre‑, intra‑ and post‑operative periods. Results: All four patients were male, diabetic, and in the age range 51‑69 years. All patients noted unilateral or bilateral severe visual loss in the immediate post‑operative period, which was permanent. All the four patients had statistically significant decrease in the Hct (P < 0.039) and mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.018) in the intraoperative and post‑operative period when compared to pre‑operative value. Conclusions: PON is a rare but definite possibility in patients undergoing OPCABG. Diabetes mellitus may be a risk factor. Perioperative hemodynamic abnormalities like decrease in MAP and anemia may play a role in the development of PON in OPCABG.

Progressão atípica de perda visual em paciente com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto / Atypical progression of visual loss in a patient with primary open-angle glaucoma

A dolicoectasia da artéria carótida interna (ACI) é uma condição rara que pode ser acompanhada de manifestações neuro-oftalmológicas, como perda da acuidade e alteração do campo visual decorrente da compressão do nervo óptico (NO). O objetivo é relatar um caso de paciente do sexo masculino, 67 anos, portador de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA) com evolução atípica, assimetria de escavação, palidez da rima do NO à esquerda, devido à neuropatia óptica compressiva à esquerda, por segmento dolicoectásico da ACI. O diagnóstico foi baseado na história clínica, aspecto do NO e exames de neuroimagem.

Dolichoectasia of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare condition that may be associated with neuro-ophthalmic manifestations, such as loss of visual acuity and visual field resulting from compression of the optic nerve (ON). The aim is to report a 67-year-old male patient with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with atypical evolution, asymmetry of cupping and increased pallor of the rim of the left ON, due to compressive optic neuropathy by the dolichoectatic segment. The diagnosis was based on clinical history, appearance of the ON and neuroimaging.

Using ImageJ to Evaluate Optic Disc Pallor in Traumatic Optic Neuropathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate optic disc pallor using ImageJ in traumatic optic neuropathy (TON). METHODS: This study examined unilateral TON patients. The optic disc was divided into 4 quadrants (temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior), consistent with the quadrants on optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness maps. Optic disc photography was performed and disc pallor was quantified using gray scale photographic images imported into ImageJ software. The correlation between optic disc pallor and RNFL thickness was examined in each quadrant. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients (31 male, 4 female) were enrolled in the study. The mean participant age was 34.8 +/- 15.0 years (range, 5 to 63 years). Overall RNFL thickness decreased in 6 patients, with thinning most often occurring in the inferior quadrant (28 of 35 eyes). There was a significant correlation between optic disc pallor and RNFL thickness (superior, rho = -0.358, p = 0.04; inferior, rho = -0.345, p = 0.04; nasal, rho = -0.417, p = 0.01; temporal, rho = -0.390, p = 0.02). The highest level of correspondence between disc pallor and RNFL thickness values outside of the normative 95th percentiles was 39.3% and occurred in the inferior quadrant. CONCLUSIONS: Optic disc pallor in TON was quantified with ImageJ and was significantly correlated with RNFL thickness abnormalities. Thus, ImageJ evaluations of disc pallor may be useful for evaluating RNFL thinning, as verified by OCT RNFL analyses.

Evaluation of blotchy pigments in the anterior chamber angle as a sign of angle closure.

Background: Blotchy pigments in the anterior chamber (AC) angle are considered diagnostic of primary angle closure (PAC). But there are no reports either on the prevalence of blotchy pigments in AC angles or the validity of this sign. Aims: To determine the prevalence of blotchy pigments in AC angles and to evaluate their relationship with glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) in eyes with occludable angles. Setting and Design: Cross-sectional, comparative study. Materials and Methods: Gonioscopy was performed in 1001 eyes of 526 subjects (245 eyes of 148 consecutive, occludable angle subjects and 756 eyes of 378 non-consecutive, open angle subjects), above 35 years of age. Quadrant-wise location of blotchy pigments was documented. Statistical Analysis: Odds of blotchy pigments in occludable angles against that in open angles were evaluated. Relationship of GON with blotchy pigments in occludable angle eyes was evaluated using a multivariate model. Results: Prevalence of blotchy pigments in occludable angles was 28.6% (95% CI, 22.9-34.3) and in open angles was 4.7% (95% CI, 3.2-6.3). Blotchy pigments were more frequently seen in inferior (16%) and superior quadrants (15%) of occludable angles, and inferior quadrant of open angles (4%). Odds of superior quadrant blotchy pigments in occludable angles were 33 times that in open angles. GON was seen in 107 occludable angle eyes. Blotchy pigments were not significantly associated with GON (odds ratio = 0.5; P = 0.1). Conclusions: Blotchy pigments were seen in 28.6% of occludable angle eyes and 4.7% of open angles eyes. Presence of blotchy pigments in the superior quadrant is more common in occludable angles. Presence of GON in occludable angle eyes was not associated with blotchy pigments.

Autoimmune optic neuropathy as the first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus / Neuropatia óptica autoimune como primeira manifestação do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico

We described a 35 years old female patient with bilateral visual loss and pain on eye movement, mild papillary edema in acute phase, arcuate scotoma and complementary test positive for antinuclear antibodies that did not respond to corticosteroid therapy. The lack of clinical criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) didn't prevent the institution of the specific treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine. After seven months the diagnosis was made after a skin manifestation of the disease. This case shows the value of the ocular complaints in systemic diseases. And how the ophthalmologic exam can help the clinician elaborating a diagnosis. It is also very important for ophthalmologists and rheumatologists due to the fact that it calls the attention to another diagnostic hypothesis in patients with nonspecific optic neuritis, even with inconclusive laboratory tests. Maybe some ocular findings deserve to be included to the diagnostic criteria already established for SLE.

Descrevemos caso de um paciente de 35 anos do sexo feminino, com perda visual bilateral associada à dor à movimentação ocular, edema papilar moderado na fase aguda, escotoma arqueado e exame complementar positivo para anticorpos antinucleares, que não responderam à terapia com corticosteróides. A falta de critérios clínicos para o lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) não impediu a instituição do tratamento específico com corticosteróides e azatioprina. Depois de sete meses, o diagnóstico foi feito após uma manifestação da doença de pele. Este caso mostra o valor das queixas oculares em doenças sistêmicas e como o exame oftalmológico pode ajudar o clínico na elaboração de um diagnóstico. Também é muito importante para oftalmologistas e reumatologistas, devido ao fato de que chama a atenção para outra hipótese diagnóstica em pacientes com neurite óptica não-específica, mesmo com os testes laboratoriais conclusivos. Talvez alguns achados oculares merecem ser incluídos com os critérios de diagnóstico já estabelecido para o LES.

Computed Tomographic Angiogram of an Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Causing Acute Retrobulbar Optic Neuropathy: A Case Report

Three-dimensional computed tomographic (3D-CT) angiography is a widespread imaging modality for intracranial vascular lesions. However, 3D-CT angiograms of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm associated with acute retrobulbar optic neuropathy have not been previously described. We present 3D-CT angiograms of an aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery that caused subarachnoid hemorrhage and vision loss in a 39-year old man. The 3D-CT angiograms were consistent with findings identified directly during surgery.

Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements using optical coherence tomography in patients with tobacco-alcohol-induced toxic optic neuropathy.

Three patients with progressive visual loss, chronic alcoholism and tabagism were submitted to a complete neuro-ophthalmic examination and to retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements using optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning. Two patients showed marked RNFL loss in the temporal sector of the optic disc. However, a third patient presented RNFL measurements within or above normal limits, based on the Stratus-OCT normative database. Such findings may be due to possible RNFL edema similar to the one that may occur in the acute phase of toxic optic neuropathies. Stratus-OCT was able to detect RNFL loss in the papillomacular bundle of patients with tobacco-alcohol-induced toxic optic neuropathy. However, interpretation must be careful when OCT does not show abnormality in order to prevent diagnostic confusion, since overestimation of RNFL thickness measurements is possible in such cases.

Clinical measurement and categorization of optic disc in glaucoma patients.

Background: Assessment of optic disc size is an important component of optic nerve head examination. Agreement between different methods of disc size measurements is not very good. Purpose: To assess the agreement between the disc size assessed by Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT) and stereobiomicroscopy with a 90 diopter (D) lens. To report the clinical (measured by biomicroscopy) disc diameters of small, average and large optic discs categorized by HRT disc areas. Setting and Design: Observational study of subjects examined in the glaucoma clinic of a tertiary eye institute. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five eyes of 75 glaucoma subjects were studied. Disc diameter was measured using stereobiomicroscopy and HRT. The agreement between the two sets of measurements was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Discs were classified into small (<1.6 mm2), average (1.6-2.6 mm2) and large (>2.6 mm2) depending on cutoffs provided by the manufacturers of HRT. The means (95% CI) of the corresponding vertical disc diameter in these groups were assessed. Statistical Analysis: ICC, Bland and Altman plots. Results: ICC for measurements of clinical and HRT horizontal disc diameter was 0.518 and for vertical disc diameter measurement was 0.487. The mean difference between the clinical and HRT measurements as analyzed by the Bland and Altman plot was 0.17 (95% CI, 0.13- 0.47) for horizontal and 0.22 (95% CI, 0.11- 0.54) for vertical disc diameter. Of the 75 eyes, 3 eyes had small discs, 54 average and 18 large discs. The mean clinical vertical disc diameter for small discs was 1.55 mm (95% CI, 1.2-1.7), for average discs was 1.91 mm (95% CI, 1.87-1.96) and for large discs was 2.15 mm (95% CI, 2.03–2.27). Conclusion: The agreement between clinical and HRT disc diameter measurements is moderate. Disc diameter measurement on stereobiomicroscopy can be used to categorize discs into small, average and large discs.

Neuropatía óptica traumática bilateral asimétrica: informe de un caso / Asymmetrical bilateral optic neuropathy: case report

Introducción: La neuropatía óptica traumática puede ser difícil de diagnosticar en un primer contacto, por la ausencia de cambios en el disco óptico o por la coexistencia de lesiones más aparentes. Aunque existen datos funcionales que la sugieren, la falta de un parámetro contralateral de comparación puede limitar la detección. El objetivo fue analizar el caso de un paciente con neuropatía óptica traumática con afección bilateral asimétrica, para hacer énfasis en la necesidad de evaluar funcionalmente los ojos lesionados. Caso clínico: Hombre de 34 años de edad con traumatismo craneoencefálico severo, pérdida del estado de alerta y fractura facial tipo Lefort III por accidente automovilístico. A las 72 horas del accidente únicamente percibía luz y tenía un defecto pupilar aferente en el ojo izquierdo; el ojo derecho tenía deficiencia visual, no justificada por alteraciones del segmento anterior. El tratamiento se enfocó al ojo izquierdo, pero durante el seguimiento se identificó tardíamente afección del ojo derecho. Se analizó la evolución del paciente y las causas que limitaron la detección temprana de la neuropatía traumática en el ojo derecho. Conclusiones: La neuropatía óptica traumática debe buscarse mediante la evaluación funcional en todos los ojos lesionados. La ausencia de alteraciones en el fondo del ojo no la descarta, particularmente si existe deficiencia visual. Es necesario identificar los pacientes con pupila positiva durante la evaluación inicial y referirlos oportunamente al especialista, quien identificará los casos atípicos e implementará tempranamente el tratamiento.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of traumatic optic neuropathy is difficult during primary care as a result of the absence of optic disk changes or coexisting injuries that may be more apparent. Although there are functional signs that suggest its presence, the lack of a comparison parameter may further prevent its detection. A case of bilateral traumatic optic neuropathy is analyzed to emphasize the need for functional evaluation in the injured eye. CLINICAL CASE: A 34-year-old male presented with severe head trauma, loss of consciousness and type III Lefort facial fracture as a result of a vehicular accident. Seventy two hours after the accident, the left eye had only light perception and an afferent pupillary defect. The right eye had visual deficiency not explained by anterior segment injuries. Therapy was aimed at the left eye and, during follow-up, involvement of the right eye was identified very late. The patient's evolution is analyzed, as well as the causes that prevented early detection of traumatic optic neuropathy in the right eye. CONCLUSIONS: Functional evaluation must be used to search for traumatic optic neuropathy in every injured eye. The absence of ocular fundus abnormalities does not rule out the disease, especially when visual deficiency exists. Detection of patients with a positive pupil during initial evaluation of trauma is required in order to refer the patient in a timely manner to the ophthalmologist. The specialist should identify atypical cases and therapy should be initiated as early as possible.

Neuropatía óptica distiroidea como manifestación de orbitopatía de Graves / Dysthyroid optic neuropathy: report of one case

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy is an uncommon and severe form of presentation of Graves ophtalmopathy, caused by compression and elongation of the optic nerve. Use of high dose steroids is the treatment of choice. Decompressive surgery is reserved for refractory cases. We report a 41 years old female with a dysthyroid optic neuropathy that appeared 18 years after the diagnosis of Graves disease, manifested by a marked reduction in visual acuity. Orbit CAT scan did not show compression or elongation of optic nerve. She was treated with prednisone 60 mg per day, obtaining a complete remission after 19 days of treatment. After 90 days of follow up with low doses of steroids, the patient remains asymptomatic.

An unusual chiasmal visual defect in a patient with neuromyelitis optica: case report

PURPOSE: To report the unusual visual field finding due to a chiasmal neuritis in a 33-year-old female with the diagnosis of optic neuromyelitis optica (Devic's syndrome). METHODS: We report a case of a 33 years old female with limb paraesthesias, weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder dysfunction that was referred to the "Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo" in October 1995. Six years and four months later she had an acute visual involvement. Ophthalmologic examination, laboratory studies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a 24-2 threshold visual field in the Humphrey field analyzer were performed. RESULTS: The MRI scan showed enlargement and cavitation on the spinal cord and chiasmal involvement (thickening of the chiasm with contrast enhancement) and no demyelinating lesions in the brain, brainstem, or cerebellum. The central 24-degree threshold field examination showed an inferior visual field defect bitemporally, disclosing a chiasmal involvement. CONCLUSION: Chiasmal involvement may occur in neuromyelitis optica, probably due to a plaque within the chiasm. The authors call attention to the importance of visual field examination with particular regard to quantifying the visual impairment and follow-up of these patients.

OBJETIVO: Relatar o caso de uma mulher de 33 anos de idade, com o diagnóstico de neuromielite óptica (síndrome de Devic) acometendo o quiasma óptico que apresentou um escotoma incomum no exame de campo visual. MÉTODOS: Uma paciente do sexo feminino, portadora de parestesias nos membros inferiores, fraqueza nas pernas, disfunção da defecação e disfunção urinária, foi encaminhada para o Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo em outubro do ano de 1995. Seis anos e quatro meses mais tarde ela sofreu acometimento visual agudo. Foram realizados exame oftalmológico completo, exame de líquor, ressonância nuclear magnética e um exame de campo visual no perímetro de Humphrey. RESULTADOS: A ressonância magnética revelou espessamento e imagens de cavitações na medula espinal, assim como espessamento do quiasma óptico, acompanhado de aumento na captação do contraste. Não apareceu imagem sugestiva de processo desmielinizante no cérebro, tronco cerebral ou cerebelo. O exame 24-2 (campo visual central) demonstrou defeito bitemporal inferior, revelando assim o comprometimento do chiasma. CONCLUSÃO: Comprometimento do quiasma óptico pode ocorrer nos casos de neuromielite óptica, provavelmente devido a uma placa de desmielinização ocorrendo no quiasma. Os autores enfatizam a importância do exame de campo visual para quantificar o comprometimento das vias ópticas e acompanhar a evolução destes pacientes.

Disc Hemorrhages in Patients with both Normal Tension Glaucoma and Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion in Different Eyes

PURPOSE: To document the clinical features of disc hemorrhage in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG), and to evaluate the relationship between BRVO and NTG with disc hemorrhages. METHODS: From July 2001 to May 2006, sixteen patients with both NTG and BRVO in different eyes were successively collected from outpatient population of Seoul National University Hospital in this observational case series. The frequency and location of disc hemorrhages, history of associated systemic diseases, and the order of the time of diagnosis between NTG and BRVO were studied. RESULTS: All patients had unilateral BRVO, and their mean age was 63.3+/-10.6 years. Disc hemorrhages were detected in eight patients (50%) during the mean follow-up of 26.8 months (range, 3-96 months). Six patients (75%) had disc hemorrhages in the non-BRVO eyes and two patients (25%) in BRVO eyes. Five hemorrhages (62.5%) were located at inferior-temporal quadrant of the optic disc. History of systemic hypertension was identified in 12 patients (75.0%). In 11 patients (68.8%), NTG was diagnosed at the same time as BRVO. CONCLUSIONS: A higher frequency of disc hemorrhages was identified in patients with both BRVO and NTG. Therefore, some cases of NTG, especially with disc hemorrhages, may share a common vascular pathophysiology with BRVO.