Optociliary shunt vessels in compressive optic neuropathy by the intracranial internal carotid artery

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2008 Mar-Apr;18(2):316-9. doi: 10.1177/112067210801800227.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a clinical case of optic nerve compression by supraclinoidal internal carotid artery associated with optociliary shunt vessels.

Methods: A 78-year-old woman with the clinical triad of left visual loss, ipsilateral optic disc pallor, and retinochoroidal (optociliary) shunt vessels is reported. She complained of loss of vision in the left eye of 2 years'' duration.

Results: A diffuse depression of the visual field was found in the affected eye. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed left optic nerve compression by the supraclinoidal internal carotid artery.

Conclusions: The occurrence of optociliary shunt vessels, visual loss, and optic atrophy is a nonspecific sign of chronic optic nerve compression and in some instances may be falsely localized.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arteriovenous Anastomosis / abnormalities*
  • Blindness / etiology
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / complications*
  • Carotid Artery, Internal*
  • Ciliary Body / blood supply*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology*
  • Optic Disk / blood supply*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Visual Fields