Optic nerve/sheath enlargement. A differential approach based on high-resolution CT morphology

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Ophthalmology
• Neurology

Background:

• Intraorbital optic nerve and sheath enlargement on CT scans can be caused by neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To categorize the CT imaging findings of intraorbital optic nerve and sheath enlargement.
• To establish a classification system for improved diagnostic accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Review of a large number of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Classification of optic nerve and sheath enlargement into three primary groups: tubular, fusiform, and excrescent.
• Subdivision based on the presence or absence of distinct optic nerve lucency.

Main Results:

• Optic nerve and sheath enlargement on CT can be reliably categorized into tubular, fusiform, and excrescent patterns.
• The presence or absence of optic nerve lucency provides further differentiation within these categories.
• This classification aids in distinguishing between various underlying pathologies.

Conclusions:

• High-resolution CT imaging provides detailed characterization of optic nerve and sheath enlargement.
• A structured classification system based on shape and lucency improves the diagnostic approach to these conditions.
• This framework aids radiologists and clinicians in identifying the etiology of optic nerve enlargement.