Optical coherence tomography and subclinical optical neuritis in longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis

Abstract

Objective:The aim is to compare the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) eyes without previous optic neuritis with that of healthy control subjects.Methods:Over 20 LETM eyes and 20 normal control eyes were included in the study and subjected to optical coherence tomography to evaluate and compare the RNFL thickness.Result:Significant RNFL thinning was observed at 8 o'clock position in LETM eyes as compared to the control eyes (P = 0.038). No significant differences were seen in other RNFL measurements.Conclusion:Even in the absence of previous optic neuritis LETM can lead to subclinical axonal damage leading to focal RNFL thinning.