Open AccessOptic Neuritis and its several etiologies
Author(s) -
Anna Carlinda Arantes de Almeida Braga,
Patryk Marques da Silva Rosa,
Luiza Monteiro dos Santos,
Igor Yury Silva,
Ana Elisa Choucair Hosken Arão,
Maria Eduarda de Almeida Braga,
Isabella Cristina Silva,
Homero Gusmão de Almeida
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Conference proceedings
DOI - 10.5327/1516-3180.742
Subject(s) - optic neuritis , etiology , medicine , neuromyelitis optica , multiple sclerosis , dermatology , chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy , differential diagnosis , optic nerve , optic neuropathy , pathology , pediatrics , immunology , ophthalmology , antibody
Optic neuritis (ON) is characterized by a condition of the optic nerve´s demyelinating inflammation, unilateral or bilateral involvement, which can lead to painful visual loss, color blindness, and other neurological and systemic impairments. Because it has several etiologies, ON is underdiagnosed and the studies seek an integrative review to identify the causes and differential diagnoses for the proper management. Methods: An analysis of scientific publications in the Pubmed and ScienceDirect databases was realized using the descriptors Optic Neuritis and diagnosis. Results: The diagnosis of ON is made by clinical findings associating neuroimage tests. About 60% of diagnosed patients have an alternative diagnosis; as optic neuropathies of anterior ischemic causes, Leber’s hereditary neuropathy and compressive neuropathies; infiltrative; toxic-metabolic or vitamin B12 deficiency. ON has different etiologies, such as infectious, paraneoplastic, autoimmune and demyelinating, so a directed anamnesis and ophthalmological examination is essential for professional´s orientation. The investigation of infectious, parainfectious and inflammatory causes must include the research of diseases such as syphilis, ricketsiosis, toxoplasmosis, mycobacteriosis, HIV and herpes zoster, and the recent vaccination. It is necessary to investigate autoimmune diseases, due to the increased risk of the coexistence of autoantibodies that attack structures of the optic nerve. Within the spectrum of demyelinating lesions, Multiple Sclerosis is the most common etiology, although Neuromyelitis Optica, Schilder Disease and Encephalitis Periaxilis Concentric should be remembered. Conclusion: When considering the various causes, it is necessary for professionals to make the diagnosis with effective clinical evaluation, with complementary tests, essential for the proper patient´s management.