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Show LITERATURE ABSTRACTS 133 nance imaging suggested pericarotid hematoma secondary to subadventitial dissection. The authors state that " including the cervical region in the initial MRI may demonstrate a carotid dissection and obviate the need for arteriography." LYII A. Sedwick, M. D. Primary Aspergillosis of the Orbital Apex. Slavin ML. Arch Ophthalmol 1991; 109: 1502- 3 ( Nov). [ No reprint information given.] A 65- year- old man with orbital apex syndrome was at first treated with oral corticosteroids to good effect, but had recrudescence of symptoms with tapering. Re- workup, including spinal tap and investigation for infection or malignancy was unrevealing. He again did well with corticosteroid therapy, but relapsed with tapering of the medication. Computed tomography then demonstrated a mass extending from the posterior orbit into the adjacent sinuses; the mass was shown by biopsy to be aspergillosis. The patient subsequently died. Beware the diagnosis and treatment of " nonspecific orbital inflammation" and be prepared to reevaluate such patients thoroughly and often. Lyn A. Sedwick, M. D. Hemianopsia From Occipital Lobe Abscess After Dental Care. Wohl TA, Kattah JC, Kolsky MP, Alper MG, Horton Je. Am J Ophthalmol 1991; 112: 689- 94 ( Dec). [ Reprint requests to Dr. J. e. Horton, Neuro- ophthalmology Unit, U- 125, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143- 0350.] Four patients, aged 13 to 60 years, with occipital lobe abscess are described. Two had mitral valve prolapse, and all had dental work 12 days to 4 weeks prior to symptoms. Three patients had routine cleaning, and one had a root canal. The authors postulate that bacteremia from dental manipulation caused the abscesses. They recommend questioning patients with new- onset hemianopia about recent dental visits. Lyn A. Sedwick, M. D. Diameter of Normal Extraocular Recti Muscles With Echography. Byrne SF, Gendron EK, Glaser JS, Feuer W, Atta H. Am JOphthalmol1991; 112: 706-- 13 ( Dec). [ Reprint requests to S. F. Byrne, Department of Echography, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, P. O. Box 016880, Miami, FL 33101.] The authors seek to establish norms and ranges of the diameter of normal extraocular muscles using A- and B- scan echography. Lyn A. Sedwick, M. D. Optic Neuritis and Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Overlapping Clinical Profiles. Rizzo JF III, Lessell S. Arch Ophthalmol 1991; 109: 1668- 72 ( Dec). [ Reprint requests to Dr. J. F. Rizzo, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114.] The Clinical Profile of Optic Neuritis: Experience of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial. Optic Neuritis Study Group. Arch Ophthalmol1991; 109: 1673- 8 ( Dec). [ Reprint requests to Dr. R. W. Beck, Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial Headquarters, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 N. Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612.] Optic Neuritis and Ischemic Neuropathy: What We Thought We Already Knew. Glaser JS. Arch Ophthalmol 1991; 109: 1666--- 7 ( Dec). [ No reprint information given.] Rizzo and Lessell explore the notion that optic neuritis and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy are easily distinguishable on clinical grounds, but conclude that they may be more alike than different in their onset, progression, type of visual loss produced, and recovery of vision over time. In middle- aged patients, overlap between these diagnoses can occur. Pain seems to be a very good distinguishing feature for optic neuritis. The optic neuritis treatment trial article is the first publication from this multicenter prospective study. Women made up 77% of the patients, mean age was 32 years, and pain was present in 92% of cases. Optic nerve edema was present 35% of the time, and magnetic resonance imaging was positive for demyelinative disease in nearly 50% of the cases, even though neurologic examination indicated positive, probable, or definite multiple sclerosis in only 34% of patients. Other laboratory testing was almost uniformly unhelpful. In his editorial article, Dr. Glaser thoughtfully JClin Neuro- ophthalmol, Vol. 12, No. 2, 1992 |