Does optic disc appearance distinguish ischemic optic neuropathy from optic neuritis?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether characteristics of optic nerve swelling assist in distinguishing between optic neuritis and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.


METHODS
Optic nerve stereophotograph review by masked observers.


RESULTS
Altitudinal swelling, pallor, arterial attenuation, and hemorrhage are found more commonly in anterior ischemic optic neuropathy than in optic neuritis.


CONCLUSIONS
Optic disc appearance does help to distinguish anterior ischemic optic neuropathy from optic neuritis, although there are overlapping features.
Warner
J E
JE
University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, USA.
Lessell
S
S
Rizzo
J F
JF
Newman
N J
NJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000473:pathology*; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018917:Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010211:Papilledema / Q000473:pathology*; D010781:Photography; D012189:Retrospective Studies