Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Duane's Retraction Syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to visualize the subarachnoid portion of the nervus abducens by magnetic resonance imaging and to analyze whether aplasia of the nervus abducens is an etiologic factor in Duane's retraction syndrome. Methods: We performed thin-sectioned magnetic resonance imaging across the brainstem level in 8 cases (11 eyes) that were clinically diagnosed as Duane's retraction syndrome. The same test was applied to 8 healthy control subjects to verify the accuracy of this technique. Results: The nervus abducens on the affected side could not be observed in 6 (54.5%) of 11 eyes (8 cases) that were clinically diagnosed as having Duane's retraction syndrome. The nervus abducens was observed in 15 (94%) of 16 eyes that were screened as the control group. Conclusions: The results showed that aplasia of the nervus abducens, although an important etiologic factor, is not the only factor responsible for the diagnosis of Duane's retraction syndrome. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2003;40:19-22.

Coexistence of different types of Duane's retraction syndrome manifesting as a congenital gaze palsy

“…DRS consists of congenital abduction deficit accompanied by retraction of the globe on attempted adduction, and by upshoots or downshoots of the affected eye on adduction. Recent articles have reported the absence of the abducens nerve on MRI in type 1 DRS and some type 3 DRS patients [2][3][4][5][6]. Here, we describe the previously unreported coexistence of different types of DRS in one patient with congenital gaze palsy and the MRI findings to support a diagnosis of DRS.…”

Analysis of the CHN1 gene in patients with various types of congenital ocular motility disorders

“…This entity is characterized by dys-and misinnervation of effector organs (mainly muscles) supplied by the cranial nerves, often resulting in eye movement disorders. By pathologic, electrophysiological, and clinical studies as well as by neurogenetic investigations, the pathophysiology of some forms of this disease group has been elucidated in recent years [3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with abduction deficit found after head trauma

“…Failure to visualize the whole path of the abducens nerve might reflect the presence of aplasia or hypoplasia in cases of DRS. However, the presence of an abducens nerve does not exclude DRS [3].…”

“…Thus, if a patient has an unnoticeable retraction of the globe or upshoot/downshoot, has not recognized diplopia, and insists that the abduction deficit was caused by head trauma, DRS may be difficult to diagnose. The absence of the abducens nerve, as determined by magnetic resonance imaging [3][4][5], might be helpful in such cases. Here we report on a patient who recognized diplopia and abduction deficit following an ophthalmologic examination after head trauma, and was found to have no abducens nerve, and was diagnosed as having DRS.…”