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

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.