Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of optic nerve lesions in patients with acute optic neuritis

• Published in: American journal of neuroradiology : AJNR Vol. 12; no. 5; pp. 923 - 926
• Main Authors: Merandi, SF, Kudryk, BT, Murtagh, FR, Arrington, JA
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oak Brook, IL Am Soc Neuroradiology 01.09.1991; American Society of Neuroradiology
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Biological and medical sciences; Brain - pathology; Contrast Media; Demyelinating Diseases - diagnosis; Diseases of visual field, optic nerve, optic chiasma and optic tracts; Humans; Image Enhancement; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Medical sciences; Multiple Sclerosis - diagnosis; Ophthalmology; Optic Nerve - pathology; Optic Neuritis - diagnosis; Orbit - pathology; Human; Eye disease; Nervous system diseases; Optic nerve; Optic nevritis; Exploration; Diagnosis; Disorders of cranial nerves; Optic chiasma; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; Contrast media
• ISSN: 0195-6108; 1936-959X

The purpose of this study was to determine if administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine aids in the MR detection of optic nerve lesions in patients with acute optic neuritis and to establish an efficient MR imaging protocol to effectively demonstrate such lesions. Patients with acutely decreased visual acuity were referred for MR imaging of the brain and orbits. Predominantly, T1-weighted images were obtained in axial and coronal planes with and without contrast administration. Enhancing lesions were observed in the optic nerve (7/14 patients) and optic chiasm (2/14), and associated white matter lesions were seen elsewhere in the brain (5/19). Our results indicate that administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine aids in the MR detection of lesions of the optic nerve and optic chiasm. Applicability of our MR imaging protocol was confirmed by the demonstration of these lesions and by the disseminated white matter lesions seen simultaneously elsewhere in the brain.