A magnetic resonance imaging study of double elevator palsy.
OBJECTIVE
The pathophysiology of double elevator palsy is poorly understood. We assessed two patients with this condition using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the appearance of the extraocular muscles.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Radiology department of a university-affiliated hospital in London, Ont.


METHODS
Two patients from a private ophthalmology practice who had undergone complete transpositions of the horizontal rectus muscles to treat hypotropia associated with double elevator palsy.


METHODS
MRI. A volume scanning technique was used to obtain maximum information about the muscles.


METHODS
Appearance of the extraocular muscles.


RESULTS
In both patients MRI showed decreased volume of the superior rectus muscle on the affected side. The other rectus muscles were normal. This suggested either congenital hypoplasia or paresis of the involved superior rectus muscle. In addition, the full tendon transpositions of the medial and lateral recti did not appreciably change the middle and deep orbital pathways of the transposed horizontal rectus muscles.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI may be a useful adjunct to saccadic velocity assessments in differentiating between primary inferior rectus restriction, primary superior rectus paresis and congenital supranuclear elevator deficiency.
Cadera
W
W
TLC Northwest Eye, Seattle, Wash., USA.
Bloom
J N
JN
Karlik
S
S
Viirre
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005133:Eye Movements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology*; D015840:Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013494:Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology