Neurológia pre prax 3/2011

Optic neuritis in patients with multiple sclerosis – characteristic features, differential diagnosis and diagnostic challenges

Multiple sclerosis (MS) or suspicion of MS are relatively common findings in neurological clinics, prevalence of MS in Czech republic is 100–130/100 000 inhabitans. As optic neuritis is often the first sign of MS, close collaboration among ophthalmologists and neurologists is needed. The aim of this study was to demonstrate typical clinical presentation of optic neuritis affecting MS patients based on individual signs and symptoms. We also provide practical set of differential diagnostic rules and show possible challenges in the diagnostic process. We conclude that making a correct diagnosis requires taking a detailed medical history and complex neuro-ophthalmological examination including contrast sensitivity, color vision, and visual field assesment.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis.