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Radiation optic neuropathy

Journal Article · · Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.); (United States)
Following surgery for pituitary adenoma, radiation therapy is an accepted treatment in reducing tumor recurrence. However, a potential therapeutic complication is delayed radionecrosis of perisellar neural structures, including the optic nerves and chiasm. This particular cause of visual loss, radiation optic neuropathy (RON), has not been emphasized in the ophthalmologic literature. Four cases of RON seen in the past five years are reported. Diagnostic criteria include: (1) acute visual loss (monocular or binocular), (2) visual field defects indicating optic nerve or chiasmal dysfunction, (3) absence of optic disc edema, (4) onset usually within three years of therapy (peak: 1-1 1/2 years), and (5) no computed tomographic evidence of visual pathway compression. Pathologic findings, differential diagnosis and therapy will be discussed in outlining the clinical profile of RON.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham
OSTI ID:
6332216
Journal Information:
Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.); (United States), Journal Name: Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.); (United States) Vol. 8; ISSN OPHTD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English