[Vitreoretinal traction syndrome in multiple sclerosis].
METHODS
From January to December 2001, 89 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were treated in our hospital; 24 of them were diagnosed for the first time. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination including a three-mirror contact lens examination when photopsias were found or the disease was diagnosed primarily.


RESULTS
Two patients showed vitreoretinal tractions with signs of periphlebitis before clinical-neurological manifestation of multiple sclerosis. The third patient, in whom the disease had been known for years, showed distinct neovascularizations, vasculitis, and recurrent vitreous hemorrhages. High-dose steroid therapy resulted in stabilization of the retinal situation in one patient, but the tractions remained unchanged. Additional laser coagulation in the second patient achieved stabilization and reduction of the tractions. A pars plana vitrectomy led to stabilization of the retinal proliferation in the third patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The vitreoretinal traction syndrome is associated with MS and can precede its clinical-neurological manifestation. The good results after argon laser coagulation and vitreoretinal surgery suggest a vascular pathogenesis of these tractions.
Augenabteilung, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung und Ludwig-Boltzman-Institut für Retinologie und biomikroskopische Laserchirurgie, Vienna.
A
A
Hochwarter
C
C
Prainer
S
S
Binder
U
U
Stolba
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003348:Cortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012162:Retinal Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012169:Retinal Vein; D013577:Syndrome; D013997:Time Factors; D014605:Uveitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003348:Cortisone