CT Features of Post-Traumatic Visual Loss.

CT Features of Post-Traumatic Visual Loss.:

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CT Features of Post-Traumatic Visual Loss.

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2020 Sep 16;:

Authors: Ibanez L, Navallas M, Alba de Caceres I, Martinez E, Borruel S

Abstract

Clinical evaluation of patients with trauma is challenging, especially in the presence of neurological injuries. Visual loss after trauma is a harmful and usually overlooked consequence that may be avoided with a prompt and accurate intervention. Head CT is commonly performed in patients with trauma. However, radiologists may be unfamiliar with the CT findings associated with injuries that may affect eyesight. Understanding the visual pathway anatomy and its critical landmarks is paramount for recognizing these findings. This article describes the use of head CT to evaluate the visual pathway to help avoid visual loss in patients with trauma. Injuries are presented in terms of those affecting the globe (rupture, haemorrhage, and lens trauma), optic nerve (direct and indirect traumatic optic neuropathy), orbit (orbital compression syndrome), and vasculature (carotid-cavernous sinus traumatic fistula and posterior cerebral artery injury or ischemia). Techniques for measuring the globe on CT to assess for injury are illustrated. Indications for screening CT angiography of the head and neck in patients with suspicion of blunt traumatic vascular injury are summarized. Emphasis is given to the CT findings that warrant an emergency intervention to prevent traumatic visual impairment.



PMID: 32936015 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]