Optic nerve atrophy and CT scanning: the target sign

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Optic nerve atrophy can result from various conditions affecting vision.
• Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality in neurological and ophthalmological diagnostics.

Observation:

• The study describes three patients exhibiting a specific CT finding: the "target-sign" in the optic nerve.
• This sign is characterized by a centrally located atrophic optic nerve.

Findings:

• The "target-sign" is attributed to the atrophic optic nerve being encased within a patulous (widened) perioptic subarachnoid space.
• A proposed explanation for this anatomical configuration is provided.

Implications:

• Understanding the "target-sign" aids in diagnosing optic nerve atrophy.
• This imaging finding may offer insights into the underlying causes and progression of optic nerve damage.