Does optic disc appearance distinguish ischemic optic neuropathy from optic neuritis?
J. E. Warner, S. Lessell, J. F. Rizzo 3rd and N. J. Newman
University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether characteristics of optic nerve swelling
assist in distinguishing between optic neuritis and anterior ischemic optic
neuropathy. METHOD: Optic nerve stereophotograph review by masked
observers. RESULTS: Altitudinal swelling, pallor, arterial attenuation, and
hemorrhage are found more commonly in anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
than in optic neuritis. CONCLUSION: Optic disc appearance does help to
distinguish anterior ischemic optic neuropathy from optic neuritis,
although there are overlapping features.
