Delayed radiation injury to the retrobulbar optic nerves and chiasm. Clinical syndrome and treatment with hyperbaric oxygen and corticosteroids

Ophthalmology. 1990 Mar;97(3):346-51. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(90)32582-4.

Abstract

Thirteen patients with delayed radiation injury to the optic nerves and chiasm were treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and corticosteroids. These patients experienced painless, abrupt loss of vision in one (6 patients) or both (7 patients) eyes between 4 and 35 months after receiving radiation doses of at least 4500 cGy to the region of the chiasm. Diagnostic evaluation including neuro-imaging and lumbar puncture showed no recurrent tumor and no other cause for visual loss. No patient's vision improved during treatment or follow-up lasting between 1 and 4 years. There were no serious complications of treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Chiasm / radiation effects*
  • Optic Nerve / radiation effects*
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis
  • Radiation Injuries / therapy*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Syndrome
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones