Differential diagnosis of optic neuritis

Abstract

Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, which in a single or repeated attacks can severely and permanently damage visual function. Errors in diagnostic are daily and usually occur because of incomplete diagnostic procedure performed. This manuscript presents a series of 19 patients referred with optic neuritis diagnosis. The diagnosis was confirmed in 15, while four had other changes in the optic nerve or macula. We analyzed the diagnostic specificity of the basic parameters of optic neuritis diagnosis and afferent pupillary defect showed the highest sensitivity. The spectrum of differential diagnoses is shown within this finding. Optic neuritis diagnosis should be established carefully, using usual and available diagnostic methods in ophthalmologic and neurological practice, and if necessary, refer patients to neuro-ophthalmologist, as well as to electrophysiological evaluation and other methods that help differentiate disease.

Keywords

• optic neuritis
• papillitis
• retrobulbar neuritis
• relative afferent pupillary defect
• differential diagnosis