Faculty Collaboration Database

Qualitative perfusion imaging of the human optic nerve. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2002 Mar;18(2):107-13

Date

03/19/2002

Pubmed ID

11897951

DOI

10.1097/00002341-200203000-00004

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0036205183 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Standard methods for the evaluation of human optic nerve perfusion provide limited information. In this pilot study, the authors investigated the feasibility of qualitative perfusion imaging, a recently developed neuroradiologic technique, as a method of assessing human intraorbital optic nerve blood flow.

METHODS: Qualitative perfusion imaging (based on magnetic resonance fast spin-echo sequences) was used to study the optic nerves of 7 healthy volunteers and 5 patients with known optic nerve disease. Data regarding both study subject background and alteration in optic nerve signal intensity were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: Control group subjects were significantly younger than study group subjects. No significant differences in optic nerve signal patterns were found within the control group. Comparison of patients with optic neuropathy against the normal composite revealed substantial differences in enhancement characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative perfusion imaging of the human optic nerve is feasible and may serve as the basis for more advanced neuroradiologic studies of optic nerve blood flow abnormalities.

Author List

Garcia GH, Donahue KM, Ulmer JL, Harris GJ

Author

Kathleen M. Schmainda PhD Professor in the Biophysics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Blood Flow Velocity
Contrast Media
Feasibility Studies
Female
Gadolinium DTPA
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Optic Nerve
Optic Nerve Diseases
Pilot Projects
Regional Blood Flow