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Optic nerve sarcoidosis: MR findings.
J D Engelken1, W T Yuh, K D Carter
1Department of Radiology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Sarcoidosis rarely affects the optic nerves directly. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed isolated optic nerve sarcoid involvement in two patients with biopsy-proven disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Radiology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease.
- Neurologic involvement occurs in approximately 5% of sarcoidosis cases.
- Isolated optic nerve granulomatous involvement is an uncommon presentation.
Observation:
- Two patients with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis presented with optic nerve dysfunction.
- Fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was utilized for diagnostic evaluation.
- Imaging findings were specific for granulomatous inflammation confined to the optic nerves.
Findings:
- The MRI findings demonstrated direct sarcoid involvement limited to the optic nerves.
- The optic chiasm was not affected in either patient.
- This presentation highlights a rare manifestation of neurosarcoidosis.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of optic nerve sarcoidosis is crucial for timely treatment.
- Advanced imaging techniques like contrast-enhanced MRI are valuable in diagnosing localized neurosarcoidosis.
- Understanding these rare presentations aids in managing patients with sarcoidosis and visual disturbances.