Use of high-resolution MRI of the optic nerve in Graves' ophthalmopathy

• Published in: British journal of radiology 2009-07, Vol.82 (979), p.541-544
• Main Authors: DODDS, N. I, ATCHA, A. W, BIRCHALL, D, JACKSON, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Graves Ophthalmopathy - complications; Graves Ophthalmopathy - pathology; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nerve Compression Syndromes - etiology; Nerve Compression Syndromes - pathology; Optic Nerve - pathology; Optic Nerve Diseases - etiology; Optic Nerve Diseases - pathology
• ISSN: 0007-1285; 1748-880X
• DOI: 10.1259/bjr/56958444

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that optic neuropathy in Graves' disease is associated with measurable optic nerve compression. Magnetic resonance appearances of 32 normal subjects and 27 patients with Graves' disease were evaluated using T(1) weighted volume imaging with multiplanar reformats along the course of the optic nerve. The optic nerve diameter was measured at seven positions along its course. Patients with thyroid orbitopathy were evaluated clinically and categorised into those with (n = 6) and without (n = 48) optic neuropathy. The mean diameter of the optic nerve in normal subjects ranged from 2.2-5.2 mm. The average orbital nerve diameter decreased the further the distance from the globe within the orbit; however, it increased within the optic canal and in the pre-chiasmal region. Optic nerve diameter in patients with Graves' disease without neuritis was not significantly different from that of subjects with normal optic nerves. In patients with optic neuritis, the optic nerve was narrower throughout the length of the nerve but narrowing was most marked in the apex of the orbit (p