Retrobulbar hemodynamics and carotid wall thickness in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
- Mostafa S Sanjari,
- Khalil G Falavarjani (drghasemi{at}yahoo.com),
- Mehrnoosh Mehrabani,
- Leila Ghiasian,
- Babak Zamani
- Eye Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Islamic Republic of
- Eye Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Islamic Republic of
- Eye Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Islamic Republic of
- Eye Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Islamic Republic of
- Eye Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Islamic Republic of
- Published Online First 19 December 2008
Abstract
Purpose: To compare retrobulbar hemodynamics and ipsilateral carotid wall thickness of patients with unilateral non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) with their contralateral side.
Methods: Seventeen patients with unilateral NAION participated in this study. By means of Color Doppler imaging, the blood flow velocities of the ophthalmic artery were measured. Intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid and internal carotid arteries were measured using B-mode ultrasonography. Measurements of the affected side were compared with the non-involved side.
Results: Flow velocities in the ophthalmic arteries on the side of the eyes with NAION were significantly decreased compared with those on the side of the unaffected eyes (P<0.001). In addition, in all patients, both common and internal carotid artery IMT were significantly greater on the side of the NAION compared with the contralateral side (P<0.001).
Conclusion: NAION may be associated with decreased retrobulbar flow velocities and increased carotid wall thickness.
