Professional paper

Optic Neuritis and Multiple Sclerosis: Our Experience

Davor Galetović
Lovro Bojić
Dobrila Karlica
Kajo Bućan
Veljko Rogošić
Ljubo Znaor

Abstract

Idiopathic optic neuritis is idiopathic inflammation of the optic nerve. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating process of the central nervous system that affects mostly women aged 20-40. Modern diagnostic methods (MRI, VEP, and computerized perimetry) can confirm or exclude demyelinating etiology of the process. The study included 31 patients with optic neuritis hospitalized at University Department of Ophthalmology, Split University Hospital in Split, Croatia, between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2005. The incidence of idiopathic optic neuropathy at Department was 3.2/ 100,000 in 2004 and 3.4/100,000 in 2005. The majority of patients were in the 20-40 age groups. In 22 (84.62%) patients, MRI showed brain demyelinating lesions. Most patients had prolonged VEP latencies. The incidence of idiopathic optic neuropathy has shown a significant increase in the last two years. Brain MRI was the key diagnostic method, along with significant symptoms and signs of idiopathic optic neuropathy. High dose corticosteroid pulse therapy, as described before, was demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on quick recovery of visual acuity and lengthening of relapse-free period.

Keywords

Optic Neuritis

Hrčak ID:

14376

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/14376

Publication date:

2.4.2007.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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