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Terson syndrome: CT evaluation in 12 patients
C E Swallow1, J S Tsuruda, K B Digre
1Department of Radiology, University of Utah Health Science Center, Salt Lake City, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|May 12, 1998
Summary
Terson syndrome, a type of intraocular hemorrhage, can be diagnosed earlier using CT scans. Subtle retinal findings on CT scans may indicate hemorrhage, prompting further evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Terson syndrome involves vitreous or retinal hemorrhage due to increased intracranial pressure.
- Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term vision loss.
- Current diagnostic methods may overlook Terson syndrome in acute settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify imaging findings on CT scans that facilitate earlier diagnosis of Terson syndrome.
- To correlate CT findings with the presence of intraocular hemorrhage.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 11 patients diagnosed with Terson syndrome (1991-1996).
- Comparison of noncontrast head CT scans with those of 10 control subjects.
- Prospective identification of one additional case, totaling 12 patients.
- Independent evaluation of orbital CT scans by three radiologists for intraocular hemorrhage.
Main Results:
- CT scans revealed a retinal crescent or nodule in eight patients, appearing hyperdense relative to the vitreous.
- These findings were suggestive of retinal hemorrhage.
- High concordance was observed between retrospective and independent reviews.
Conclusions:
- Retinal nodularity and crescentic hyperdensities on CT scans are indicative of Terson syndrome in most cases.
- These subtle CT findings, particularly with subarachnoid hemorrhage, suggest retinal hemorrhage.
- Further fundoscopic evaluation is warranted when these CT findings are present.