Apical optic nerve compression of dysthyroid optic neuropathy on computed tomography
J. S. Kennerdell, A. E. Rosenbaum and M. H. El-Hoshy
Computed assisted tomography (CT) of seven cases of dysthyroid optic
neuropathy showed moderate to severe thickening of the extraocular muscles
at the orbital apex, white CT of two control cases of dysthyroid
orbitopathy without neuropathy showed minimal or fusiform thickening. The
consequences include probable apical compression with optic nerve
neuropathy either by direct pressure on the nerve or its blood supply. The
management of these cases is either by oral administration of
corticosteroids in high dosage with gradual tapering or radiation therapy
to the orbital apex (approximately 3,000 rad over a ten-day period). If
surgical decompression is to be attempted, it should be designed to
decompress the optic nerve at the orbital apex.
