Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
12:23
Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients
Published on: April 14, 2014
14.6K
Progressive Susac syndrome with bilateral visual loss and disability
Morteza Entezari1, Saeed Karimi1, Mohammadali Feizi2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Research Center, Torfeh Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 18, 2016
Summary
Susac syndrome (SS) is a rare neurological disorder affecting the eyes, ears, and brain. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving vision and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Susac syndrome (SS) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by the triad of encephalopathy, retinal artery occlusions, and sensorineural hearing loss.
- The exact etiology of Susac syndrome remains unclear, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old male presented with acute, painless vision loss in the right eye, followed by similar symptoms in the left eye two months later.
- Associated symptoms included hemiparesis, behavioral changes, and hearing loss, indicating a multi-systemic impact.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed multiple branch retinal artery occlusions (BRAOs) in both eyes.
Findings:
- Brain MRI demonstrated characteristic inflammatory changes with multiple "punched-out" lesions in the corpus callosum, confirming the diagnosis of Susac syndrome.
- Despite aggressive corticosteroid therapy, the patient experienced disease progression, including new BRAOs and persistent vision loss.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and aggressive early treatment in Susac syndrome to prevent irreversible vision loss and neurological damage.
- Further research into the underlying mechanisms of Susac syndrome is needed to develop more effective therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Visual Agnosia
1.5K
Visual agnosia is a condition characterized by the inability to recognize visually presented objects despite having normal vision. For instance, a person with visual agnosia can describe the shape and color of an object but cannot identify or name it. This impairment does not affect their visual field, acuity, color vision, brightness discrimination, language, or memory. An example of this condition in a social setting is someone at a dinner party asking for "that silver thing with a round...
1.5K
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.6K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.6K
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
10.5K
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
10.5K
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.5K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.5K
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.1K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K
01:24Prosopagnosia
1.0K
Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, is the inability to recognize faces. In severe cases, individuals with prosopagnosia may not recognize close family members, including parents and spouses, by their faces. For instance, someone with prosopagnosia might walk past their child in a crowd, only realizing their mistake upon noticing their child's distinctive backpack or favorite jacket. Prosopagnosia specifically impairs facial recognition, while the recognition of other objects or...
1.0K