[Ocular manifestations of temporal arteritis (author's transl)]

A report is presented of 15 patients with ocular manifestations of temporal arteritis. Ophthalmoscopy revealed anterior ischaemic neuropathy of the optic nerve in 12 patients, occlusion of central retinal artery in 2 cases and secondary atrophy of the optic nerve in 1 patient. No involvement of eye muscles of other ocular complications were seen. 10 patients showed occult temporal arteritis, whilst classical features were present in 5 patients. The diagnosis was proven histologically, and high-dosage cortisone therapy was instituted. 13 out of the 15 patients could be saved from blindness of both eyes. Temporal arteritis is an ophthalmological emergency which requires immediate diagnosis and therapy.