Article
Color-doppler imaging of retrobular vessels in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
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Authors
Published: | September 22, 2004 |
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Outline
Text
Objective
The acute circulatory disorder of the optic nerve head in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is caused by hypoperfusion of the short posterior ciliary arteries. The retrobulbar hemodynamics in patients with acute nonarteritic AION were examined by color-doppler imaging und compared to healthy controls.
Methods
We examined 26 patients with nonarteritic AION (age 68±9 years) and 35 age-matched controls (age 64±8 years, p=0.117). By means of color-doppler imaging (Siemens Sonoline Sienna) the blood flow velocities of the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA) and nasal and temporal short posterior arteries (PCA) were measured. Peak systolic (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and Pourcelot resistive index (RI) were determined.
Results
The OA showed no significant differences between AION and controls. PSV and EDV of the CRA (p<0.001) and PSV of the nasal PCA (p<0.05) were significantly decreased in patients with AION compared to healthy controls. For temporal PCA no significant differences were detectable between patients and controls.
Conclusions
Blood flow velocities of the nasal PCA and the CRA are significant reduced in acute nonarteritic AION.