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Anatomic relationships between disc hemorrhage and parapapillary atrophy
Nathan M Radcliffe1, Jeffrey M Liebmann, Ilya Rozenbaum
1Einhorn Clinical Research Center, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, New York, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Disc hemorrhage (DH) in glaucoma patients frequently occurs in the eye with wider parapapillary atrophy (PPA). This finding suggests an anatomical relationship between PPA and DH, aiding in glaucoma progression understanding.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Research
- Optic Nerve Imaging
Background:
- Parapapillary atrophy (PPA) and disc hemorrhage (DH) are known indicators associated with glaucoma.
- Understanding the anatomical relationship between PPA and DH is crucial for glaucoma diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical relationship between parapapillary atrophy (PPA) and disc hemorrhage (DH) in glaucoma patients.
- To determine if DH occurs preferentially in eyes with specific PPA characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of digital optic nerve stereophotographs from 1,559 glaucoma patients.
- Identification of eyes with unilateral disc hemorrhage (DH) and assessment of parapapillary atrophy (PPA) width and location.
- Statistical comparison of DH location relative to the greatest PPA width.
Main Results:
- Of 46 eyes with unilateral DH, 91.3% exhibited beta zone PPA.
- Disc hemorrhage occurred more frequently in the eye with greater PPA width (76.3%).
- DH was located within two clock hours of the greatest PPA width in 73.8% of eyes, and greater PPA width predicted DH laterality.
Conclusions:
- Disc hemorrhage (DH) tends to manifest in the eye with the widest parapapillary atrophy (PPA).
- The location of DH is often associated with the region of maximal PPA width, indicating a significant anatomical correlation.
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