[Optic neuritis as the initial manifestation of multiple sclerosis]

Optic neuritis (ON) may be the initial manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). We report on a partially retrospective (1960-1984) and longitudinal study (1985-1995) of patients with MS that had earlier ON. The study group (ON + MS) comprised 173 confirmed cases of ON, the control group (MS) included 767 MS patients without history of initial ON. The time lapse from ON to MS was less than 5 years in 128 patients (73.99%), 6-10 years in 37 (21.39%) and more than 10 years in only 8 (4.62%). ON does not affect the course of MS, age at onset, duration of disease or life expectancy. Disability status (EDSS) in both groups was similar although EDSS progression was somewhat slower and the relapse rate per year was lower (0.37) in group ON + MS. We conclude with respect to survival and relapse rate that ON is a prognostically somewhat favorable manifestation of MS.