[A new ultrasonic method for studying the status of the blood supply to the optic nerve]

For investigation of the state of optic nerve blood supply a duplex ultrasound scanning was used. It is known that such equipment begins to gain popularity in general diagnostics. A special method for investigation of the state of optic nerve blood supply (both of the disc and its orbital part) was worked out and allowed to receive 7 hemodynamic parameters characterizing the state of hemodynamics in norm and in optic nerve atrophy or its suspicion. Thus, a pulsatile index being 1.57 +/- 0.21 in norm, increased to 2.11 +/- 0.13 in atrophy. Systolic-diastolic ratio in norm 5.01 +/- 0.21 increased to 7.25 +/- 0.13 in atrophy. The peak systolic rate of blood supply in norm 32.7 +/- 1.8 cm/c decreased to moderate indices 16.9 +/- 1.3 cm/c. Maximum and moderate rates were also decreased twice as compared with norm. Volume rate of blood flow being 5.02 ml/min. in norm, decreased to 2.05 +/- ml/min. in atrophy. The data obtained are statistically authentic. Thus, duplex equipment can be used for investigation of the state of hemodynamics in short posterior ciliary arteries that nourish the optic nerve.