Use of T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the optic nerve sheath to detect raised intracranial pressure

Abstract

Introduction The dural sheath surrounding the optic nerve communicates with the subarachnoid space, and distends when intracranial pressure is elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often performed in patients at risk for raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and can be used to measure precisely the diameter of optic nerve and its sheath. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), as measured using MRI, and ICP.

Petrous apex cephalocoele: contribution of coexisting intracranial pathologies to the aetiopathogenesis

“…The ONSD was measured in an axis perpendicular to the optic nerve, 3 mm behind the globe. 6 The images were evaluated by two experienced radiologists. Agreement between the two radiologists was reached in consensus after careful individual evaluation.…”

MR Imaging of Papilledema and Visual Pathways: Effects of Increased Intracranial Pressure and Pathophysiologic Mechanisms

“…6,[17][18][19] Coronal image acquisition is optimal for visualizing the true dimensions of the ON and perioptic CSF relative to the surrounding sheath. 12 The most commonly reported macroscopic findings in MR images of patients diagnosed with papilledema are the following: 1) enlargement of the ONS, 5,6,8,9,20 2) flattening of the posterior sclera, [13][14][15] 3) protrusion of the optic papilla into the globe, 6,11 and 4) tortuosity of the ON.…”

Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter on MR Imaging: Establishment of Norms and Comparison of Pediatric Patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension with Healthy Controls

“…The association between increased intracranial pressure and increasing ONSD was also demonstrated in patients with traumatic brain injury. 10 A review of the literature has found very little regarding standardized norms of ONSD on MR imaging for adults, 11,12 and no established norms for children. The aim of this study was to establish age-correlated norms for pediatric ONSD and to compare the ONSD of a group of pediatric patients with IIH with a healthy control group.…”