Papillopathies associated with unusual calcifications in the retrolaminar optic nerve

• Published in: Journal of clinical neuro-ophthalmology Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 175 - 80; discussion 181-2
• Main Authors: Sadun, A A, Green, R L, Nobe, J R, Cano, M R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-09-1991
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Calcinosis - complications; Calcinosis - diagnostic imaging; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Male; Optic Atrophy - etiology; Optic Nerve Diseases - complications; Optic Nerve Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Papilledema - etiology; Retinal Diseases - etiology; Retinal Hemorrhage - etiology; Retinal Vessels; Ultrasonography; Vision Tests
• ISSN: 0272-846X

We examined three patients with optic disc edema and peripapillary hemorrhages. Each was found by standard echography to have calcified nodules within the retrobulbar portion of the optic nerves. These nodules were located approximately 2 mm posterior to the lamina cribrosa. Each patient had unilateral congestion of the optic nerve head with dilated, tortuous retinal veins that appeared much like a partial central retinal vein occlusion; one patient subsequently developed optic atrophy. The central location of the calcifications within the anterior aspect of the optic nerves suggests that each nodule may have been situated within the central retinal vein or artery. Calcifications within the retrolaminar space may be associated with some etiologies of unilateral congestion of the optic nerve head.