Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To evaluate the nerve fiber layer using scanning laser polarimetry (GDx) in patients with either clinically isolated acute optic neuritis (ON) or chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods:72 eyes of 36 patients with either first episode of isolated acute optic neuritis or chronic progressive MS with or without optic neuritis, underwent an ophthtalmological examination including automated perimetry, VEP, color vision and GDx. GDx parameters followed were «The Number», the superior average, inferior average and maximal modulation. GDx was performed within days after the acute attack (acute ON) then repeated 3 and 6 months later. Chronic progressive MS patients were measured at 3 monthly intervals. Results:22 of 26 eyes with acute ON had GDx parameters within normal values, immediately and 3 to 6 months after the first acute attaque. Of the 4 eyes of 4 patients with abnormal GDx recorded immediately after the onset of the first acute attack, 3 were in the unaffected side. Of the 15 patients with MS and who had previously sustained one or more episodes of acute ON, 5 showed abnormal GDx values in one eye, 6 in both eyes and 4 had unremarkable values. In 4 patients (4 eyes) asymptomatic progression was noted. Of the 7 patients with no history of previous clinically symptomatic ON, 3 had altered GDx values, 2 in one eye and one patient in both eyes. Conclusion:In patients with central demyelinating disorders, GDx was found to be a valuable clinical noninvasive tool to asses the involvement of the optic nerve.
Keywords: 487 neuro-ophthalmology: optic nerve • 484 nerve fiber layer • 486 neuro-ophthalmology: diagnosis