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Synergistic divergence: saccadic velocity analysis and surgical results
L M Hamed1, R W Lingua, M M Fanous
1University of Florida Department of Ophthalmology, Gainesville.
Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Synergistic divergence (SD), a variant of Duane retraction syndrome (DRS), involves preserved abducting saccades. Surgical extirpation of the lateral rectus muscle may be necessary to correct this ocular motility disorder.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Synergistic divergence (SD) is an ocular motility disorder.
- SD is considered a variant of Duane retraction syndrome (DRS).
Observation:
- Clinical findings in four patients with SD are described.
- Saccadic velocity studies showed preserved abducting saccades in the affected eye.
- Electromyography indicated normal reciprocal innervation during attempted abduction.
Findings:
- The abducens nerve may not be absent or hypoplastic in SD.
- A potential genetic and etiologic link between SD and DRS is suggested by family history.
- Surgical extirpation of the ipsilateral lateral rectus muscle may be required to eliminate simultaneous abduction.
Implications:
- This study provides insights into the pathophysiology of synergistic divergence.
- Findings suggest that surgical intervention, specifically lateral rectus extirpation, can be effective in managing SD.
- Understanding the relationship between SD and DRS may inform future treatment strategies and genetic research.