title: Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy treated with intravenous prostaglandin E1 and steroids.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acute nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is considered to be acute ischemia of the posterior ciliary arteries. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a powerful microcirculation vasodilator, has been shown to improve ocular blood flow.
  
  
  METHODS
  A nonrandomized, comparative trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight consecutive cases of NAION were treated with intravenous steroids and PGE1. Seven control cases of NAION were treated with acetylsalicylic acid and oral steroids. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The visual acuity improved in seven cases of NAION treated with PGE1 and was unchanged in one. Of the seven control cases, four had no change in vision and three lost further visual acuity on follow-up visits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intravenous PGE1 and steroids should be considered in cases of NAION to immediately restore blood flow to the optic nerve and improve visual acuity.
authors.affiliation: Via A Brofferio, Rome, Italy. r.steigerwalt@libero.it
authors.forename: Robert D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Steigerwalt
authors.forename: M Rosaria
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Cesarone
authors.forename: Gianni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Belcaro
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pascarella
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Angelis
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bacci