Faculty Collaboration Database

Imaging of the optic nerve and visual pathways. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2001 Dec;22(6):473-87

Date

01/05/2002

Pubmed ID

11770927

DOI

10.1016/s0887-2171(01)90002-2

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0035212807 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   21 Citations

Abstract

The visual pathway extends from the globes anteriorly to the occipital cortex posteriorly. A wide variety of disease processes may produce visual dysfunction. Because the optic nerve is a fiber tract of the brain covered by meninges, it can be affected by many of the same pathologic processes that occur in the brain and meninges. Physical examination and diagnostic tests of visual function performed by the clinician can frequently identify the anatomic location of the causative lesion in the patient with vision loss. This enables the radiologist to optimize the imaging evaluation of the patient. This article reviews the normal anatomy of the optic nerve and visual pathways, presents computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques for evaluation of these structures, and discusses the pathologic processes intrinsic to the optic nerve and visual pathways.

Author List

Smith MM, Strottmann JM

Authors

Michelle A. Michel MD Adjunct Professor in the Radiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
James M. Strottmann MD Associate Professor in the Radiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

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

Craniopharyngioma
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Multiple Sclerosis
Optic Chiasm
Optic Nerve
Optic Neuritis
Orbital Pseudotumor
Retinal Neoplasms
Retinoblastoma
Septo-Optic Dysplasia
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Visual Pathways