title: Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy following bilateral radical neck dissection.
abstract: A patient is presented with posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) after bilateral radical neck dissection, probably caused by hemodynamic hypotension, combined with other factors. A postmortem histologic study of the optic nerve was performed to analyze the pathogenic mechanism of blindness. To prevent this complication, one should favor a two-stage procedure, avoiding drug-induced hypotension, overtransfusion, and anemia. During the postoperative period, visual acuity should be monitored regularly, and proper positioning of the patient's head is necessary.
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000150:complications; D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology; D001766:Blindness / Q000209:etiology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D018917:Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011182:Postoperative Care; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D014792:Visual Acuity