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Loss of vision is a feared consequence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) may be an effective surgical approach to protect visual function in medically refractory IIH. In this study, we evaluate the impact of unilateral superomedial transconjunctival ONSF on bilateral visual outcome using a comprehensive follow-up program. A retrospective chart review of IIH patients who underwent unilateral ONSF between January 2016 and March 2021 was conducted. Patients fulfilling the revised Friedman criteria for IIH and who had exclusively received ONSF as a surgical treatment were included. Main outcomes were visual acuity (VA), perimetric mean deviation (PMD), papilledema grade, and optic nerve head elevation (maxONHE) 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. VA (p &lt, 0.05), PMD (p &lt, 0.05), papilledema grade (p &lt, 0.01), and maxOHNE (p &lt, 0.001) were improved after 6 months on both the operated and non-operated eye. Prolonged surgical delay impedes PMD improvement (r = −0.78, p &lt, 0.01), and an increasing opening pressure initiates a greater ganglion cell loss (r = −0.79, p &lt, 0.01). In this small case series, we demonstrate that unilateral superonasal transconjunctival ONSF is a safe procedure with an effect on both eyes. Optic nerve head elevation and PMD are feasible biomarkers for assessing early treatment efficacy after ONSF.

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) in leukemic children having increased intracranial pressure with severe uncontrolled visual loss on medical treatment and not eligible for venous sinus stenting. In this non-randomized clinical trial, we included patients presenting with severe sight-threatening papilledema due to increased intracranial pressure following leukemia treatment. All included patients were subjected to a complete history taking, assessment of the visual acuity and fundus examination with fundus photography and grading of papilledema using Frisen scale. Patients were evaluated at 2 weeks and 3 months postoperative by recording the best-corrected visual acuity, assessment of the pupillary reaction and fundus examination and fundus photography with grading of papilledema. Among 20 patients included in this study, there was a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity of both eyes in all patients. The mean postoperative visual acuity was 0.28 ± 0.10 two weeks after surgery in the right eye and it was 0.42 ± 0.16 in the left eye. The mean visual acuity in the right eye three months after surgery was 0.78 ± 0.19 and it was 0.87 ± 0.17 in the left eye. Three months postoperatively, papilledema resolved completely in both eyes. There were no recorded ocular complications. In this study, ONSF was sight-saving procedure in all leukemic patients with a significant improvement in the visual acuity, stabilization of the visual function and resolving of the papilledema over follow-up period. There were no recorded intraoperative or postoperative complications. Further well-designed studies are needed to assert upon these results.

To evaluate the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) who underwent optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) and to determine if radiographic evidence of posterior scleral or globe indentation influenced IOP.This is a retrospective analysis of IOP in IIH patients who underwent ONSF. The study included all patients from September 2010 to March 2018 operated on by a single surgeon (R.M.). IOPs preoperatively and postoperatively were recorded along with the acetazolamide dosage and whether there was evidence of posterior scleral or globe indentation on preoperative MRI.A total of 29 patients (35 eyes) with IIH underwent ONSF. The average reduction in IOP among all patients was 1.24 mm Hg (P = 0.0218), but this increased to 2.69 mm Hg (P = 0.004) in patients who were maintained on the same dosage of acetazolamide in the preoperative and postoperative period. Furthermore, the reduction in IOP in those with posterior scleral or globe indentation was 2.5 mm Hg (P = 0.0095). When the perioperative period was evaluated, the mean decrease in IOP was 1.83 mm Hg (P = 0.0217).Reducing the cerebral spinal fluid pressure (CSFP) at the level of the intraorbital optic nerve through an ONSF can slightly reduce the IOP. In those with evidence of posterior globe or scleral indentation/flattening, the reduction in IOP was higher, which supports the theory that CSF pressure indents the globe and leads to an increase in IOP. Although these changes in IOP are small, this study provides further evidence for a connection between IOP and CSFP.

Objectives. Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is commonly used in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Here we will present our experiences of ONSF in 26 patients with special attention to indications, surgical techniques and results Methods. The recorded data of patient management (with the result) who underwent ONSF were reviewed and studied retrospectively. Results. The total number of patients who underwent ONSF was 26. The male-female ratio was 1:12. Indications of ONSF were: 1. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)-23 cases; 2. Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST)-02 cases; 3. CNS Tuberculosis-01case. All patient underwent bilateral ONSF with post-operative continues lumbar CSF drain for 04 days. After fenestration gush of CSF came out with force in all-first operated eyes whereas 13-second operated eyes showed very little CSF flow after fenestration. Vision improved in different grades in all cases at discharge except in three cases. Preoperatively, visual acuity was either PL&PR or hand movement in 40 eyes where 04 eyes were preoperatively total blind (no PL&PR). Visual acuity improved in 48 eyes (92.3% eyes) where the patient can do his/her daily life activities including self-care. Improvement in IIH is 100% (23 cases i.e-46 eyes) whereas 01 case out of 02 cases in CVST. Though vision was improved dramatically fundal appearances changes very slowly and very less frequently returned to normal appearance. Conclusion. Due to the delicate and technically demanding nature of the surgery, safety is a major concern of the ONSF. Our experience showed ONSF is a technically safe operation with very good results where indicated.

A 13-year-old female presented with decrease in vision in both eyes with headache and vomiting for 15 days. Her visual acuity was perception of light with inaccurate projection in the right eye and counting fingers close to face in the left eye. Pupils were nonreactive. Fundus showed bilateral disc edema. Magnetic resonance angiography showed an attenuated caliber of the left internal carotid artery with occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery with collaterals, characteristic of moyamoya disease. The patient underwent right optic nerve sheath fenestration, following which her vision improved to 6/36 in the right and 6/24 in the left eye. Moyamoya disease is an occlusive disease of the cerebral vasculature most commonly seen in the Japanese. Children usually present with ischemic events. In the literature, visual symptoms secondary to raised intracranial tension in moyamoya disease are not well described. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this disease and the treatment options for salvaging vision.

The authors report the case of a 75-year-old man with preexisting glaucoma and recurrent retinal detachment who underwent intraocular silicone oil placement OD resulting in subsequent retrolaminar silicone oil migration to the optic chiasm and vision loss OS. MRI showed silicone oil tracking posteriorly along the right optic nerve to the chiasm. He was placed on high-dose corticosteroids and underwent a successful optic nerve sheath fenestration with improvement of vision in the contralateral eye. Clinicians should be cognizant of the potential for translaminar posterior migration of intraocular silicone oil, as well as the utility of optic nerve sheath fenestration to decompress the anterior visual pathways and restore vision.

To evaluate the effect of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) on the recovery of visual function in pediatric patients with optic disc swelling owing to increased intracranial pressure.Retrospective case series.Medical chart review of all pediatric patients who underwent ONSF between 2009 and 2020 at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Visual function was assessed at pre and postoperative visits. The main outcome measures were visual acuity, color vision, extraocular motility, visual field mean deviation, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by optical coherence tomography.Fourteen pediatric patients (10 females; mean ± SD age of 14 ± 2.6 years; range, 8.5-17.5 years) were included. Five patients underwent bilateral surgeries. Ten patients were diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Of the 10 idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients, 3 had a previous history of weight gain and 2 of systemic steroid treatment; these can be referred to as pseudotumor cerebri. The mean ± SD follow-up length was 16.4 ± 12.3 months. VA improved from 20/138 to 20/68 in the operated eye (P = .0003) and from 20/78 to 20/32 in the nonoperated eye (P = .02). Color vision improved in the operated eye (P = .04), extraocular motility improved in the operated and nonoperated eye (P = .002 and P = .04 respectively). Visual field mean deviation improved in the operated (-23.4 dB to -11.5 dB, P.0001) and nonoperated eye (-19.8 dB to -6.8 dB, P = .02). Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness improved in the operated eye (349.1 to 66.2 µm; P.0001). The postoperative improvement was observed as early as the postoperative day 1.ONSF produces a rapid and persistent vision improvement in both the operated eye and the nonoperated eye. In children and young adults with papilledema and elevated intracranial pressure causing vision loss that is severe at presentation or refractory to standard medical management, ONSF should be considered.

Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is a well-known, relatively safe, and effective surgical treatment for visual loss related to papilledema. Visual loss following ONSF is uncommon but can occur from direct surgical trauma, ischemic optic neuropathy, orbital or intrasheath hemorrhage, or arterial occlusion. Transient severe (e.g., light perception (LP) or no light perception (NLP) visual loss) after ONSF is uncommon but has been reported. We describe a case of LP vision following uncomplicated ONSF with orbital imaging demonstrating significant postoperative inflammation and slow recovery after intravenous steroid treatment. We discuss the various mechanisms for this phenomenon after ONSF. To our knowledge, this is the first clinico-radiologic description with follow up and recovery of this postoperative complication of ONSF to be reported in the English language ophthalmic literature.

Patient: Male, 21-year-old Final Diagnosis: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome • cerebral venous sinus thrombosis Symptoms: Blurring of vision • confusion • fever • headache Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Laboratory • magnetic resonance imaging Specialty: Neurology • Ophthalmology Objective: Rare disease Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a serious life- and vision-threatening condition that can have a variable presentation according to the site of venous occlusion, including mimicking idiopathic intracranial hyper-tension. We report on a patient with primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) who presented with papilledema due to CVST that was refractory to medical treatment but responded to optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF). Case Report: A 21-year-old man presented with blurred vision of gradual onset and a progressive course for 1 month, accompanied by fever, headache, and confusion. He had a history of lower-limb deep vein thrombosis. Examination revealed decreased vision with bilateral grade IV papilledema. Magnetic resonance venography showed evidence of CVST and laboratory investigations revealed lupus anticoagulant antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and anti-double stranded DNA antibodies, with hyperhomocysteinemia. The patient did not meet the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) nor the new European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology SLE classification criteria. He was diagnosed with CVST secondary to APS and hyperhomocysteinemia and treated with acetazolamide, systemic anticoagulation, and vitamins for 1 month, but with no improvement in his ophthalmic condition. He subsequently underwent unilateral ONSF, which resulted in improvement in vision bilaterally that continued throughout a 6-month follow-up period. Conclusions: Papilledema associated with CVST can be the first presentation of APS. When performed in a timely manner, ONSF can save useful vision and lead to improvement in vision in patients with papilledema due to CVST that is refractory to medical treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration (ONSF) in patients with raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Methods: This Quasi Experimental Study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi from July 2013 to July 2015. Thirty one eyes of 18 patients who underwent ONSF for raised ICP were followed up for one year to ascertain efficacy and safety of ONSF procedure. Results: Thirteen (72.22%) patients underwent ONSF bilaterally, while five (27.78%) underwent unilateral ONSF. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 24 (77.4%), remained stable in four (12.9%) and deteriorated in three (9.7%) patients. Papilledema improved in 27 (87.1%) while remained stable in four (12.9%) according to Frisénscale of Papilledema. Change in BCVA and papilledema from pre-operative values was statistically significant (p

The purpose of this study is to report the safety and outcomes of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) performed via superomedial eyelid crease approach.A retrospective chart review was performed on patients undergoing superomedial eyelid crease ONSF at a single institution between 2014-2019. Data obtained included preoperative visual acuity (VA), mean deviation (MD) on visual field (VF), papilledema grade, intraoperative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative complications and optic nerve sheath biopsy results. Postoperative month 6 (POM6) data collected included VA, MD, papilledema grade, and lid contour. Outcome measures included overall change in VA, MD, and papilledema grade at POM6. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 16 statistical software. Data analysis was done comparing all patients pre- and postoperatively. Additional subgroup analysis was performed on patients undergoing ONSF for IIH vs other indications, and on the contralateral unoperated eye.A total of 31 eyes of 24 patients were identified, four of whom were excluded due to being lost to follow-up. At POM6, improvement was seen in VA (p0.001) across all groups. There was improvement in POM6 median papilledema grade and MD, but these did not reach statistical significance. Additional subgroup analysis on patients with IIH showed statistically significant improvement in POM 6 VA (p=0.009), papilledema (p=0.009) and MD (p0.001), as well as VA improvement in the contralateral unoperated eye (p0.001).Superomedial eyelid crease approach for ONSF is a safe and effective surgery in IIH and other conditions of excess pressure within the optic nerve sheath.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also called as benign intracranial hypertension is a disorder, which is considered benign in its course except its’ ill effects on vision. Ocular findings in IIH such as papilledema, macular changes, retinal micro haemorrhages, cotton wool spots and tortuosity of vessels are the prominent features in funduscopy examination in these patients. Papilledema is a hallmark feature for evaluation of response to treatment. Ophthalmological rescue is a primary goal of management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Among the treatment options described in literature, optic nerve sheath fenestration is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique for the rescue of vision. We present this case-report, which will help ophthalmologists and the surgeons to determine the significance of the funduscopy changes after optic nerve sheath fenestration and help in decision making.

Eye disease due to pachymeningitis caused by immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare occurrence. Here, the authors report a unique case of a patient presenting with visual loss from raised intracerebral pressure from pachymeningitis most likely related to IgG4-RD. The patient was treated with acetazolamide and steroids, and an optic nerve sheath fenestration was performed to successfully save the patients vision.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is a surgical intervention in the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) infrequently performed in the United Kingdom. Numerous surgical approaches have been described, including medial transconjunctival, lateral and endoscopic. We describe our outcomes and complications from ONSF via a supero-medial eyelid skin crease incision in patients with IIH. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing ONSF for IIH between January 2011 and December 2017 by a single surgeon. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the analysis with a median follow-up of 14.5 months. Bilateral ONSFs were undertaken in 27 (90%). The data from one eye per patient were analysed. The mean kinetic perimetry score in mean radial degrees of the I4e isopter improved from 27.3° to 35.7°, p = 0.04. After removing cases with optic atrophy, the median modified Frisén grade of papilloedema improved from 2.5 to 1.0, p = 0.007. A total of 5/30 (17%) patients had complications: two (7%) had recurrence/late failure (one managed medically and one with cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] diversion surgery), one had transient cotton wool spots post-operatively, one had transient retinal haemorrhages and one patient had a transiently oval pupil. No patients had repeat ONSF, but CSF diversion surgery was subsequently carried out in 4/30 (13%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: ONSF via a supero-medial eyelid skin crease approach is effective at improving visual function in patients with IIH. The complication rates are low when compared with CSF diversion surgery and other surgical approaches for ONSF.

Purpose Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is a common surgical option for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) with vision loss refractory to medical management. Little is known about the visual benefit of repeated ONSF. The authors aimed to assess the efficacy of secondary and tertiary ONSF in patients with IIH. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with repeat ONSF for IIH at Emory University from 1999 to 2016. Primary outcome measures included visual acuity, optic nerve head findings, and visual field results. Results A total of nine eyes in seven patients (five females and two males) with repeat ONSF were identified. Two of the seven patients had repeat ONSF in both eyes, while the remaining five patients had only one eye repeated. Five of seven patients (five eyes) improved or remained stable after the secondary ONSF. Two patients (three eyes) continued to worsen despite the secondary fenestration surgery and underwent tertiary ONSF at an average of 13.2 months (SD 5.5 months) after the failed secondary ONSF. Both patients that underwent the tertiary fenestration showed improvement. Six of the patients had either improvement or stability in their clinical findings at their last documented follow-up, but one continued to worsen despite intervention. Conclusions This study suggests that secondary and tertiary nerve sheath fenestration is a viable management option for patients with progressive vision loss from IIH. Repeat ONSFs do not appear to have increased complication or failure rates compared to prior documented studies regarding primary fenestrations.

Background: Papilloedema and visual failure can occur as a consequence of vestibular schwannoma without evidence of hydrocephalus on imaging. Conventional treatment usually includes CSF diversion procedures. We describe here the novel use of optic nerve sheath fenestration in these patients. Methods: A case series of three patients who underwent optic nerve sheath fenestration for visual complications of vestibular schwannoma. Results: Patients A and B were both 23 year old females, with visual symptoms and papilloedema at the time of presentation with a large vestibular schwannoma. Patient A had progressive, severe visual failure despite treatment with an external ventricular drain and tumour resection. She therefore went on to have bilateral optic nerve sheath fenestration surgery, which restored central vision, improved peripheral vision and resolved papilloedema. Patient B underwent optic nerve sheath fenestration as first line surgical management for visual symptoms from a large vestibular schwannoma. This resulted in resolution of visual symptoms and papilloedema and she went on to have the lesion resected at a later date. Patient C was a 54 year old male who developed visual symptoms and papilloedema following the resection of a vestibular schwannoma. This was found to be secondary to a transverse venous sinus thrombosis and he underwent an optic nerve sheath fenestration to treat the complications of this. He also had restored vision and resolution of papilloedema. Conclusion: We demonstrate, with 3 differing cases, that optic nerve sheath fenestration can be a useful and safe treatment choice for patients with visual failure and papilloedema secondary to vestibular schwannoma.

The outcome of two patients with visual loss from osteopetrosis who underwent an optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is reported. A 20-year-old male and 26-year-old female with osteopetrosis had optic nerve edema. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated optic canals stenosis. Both patients underwent unilateral ONSF. After ONSF, the patients experienced improvement in visual acuity and optic nerve appearance. Therefore, when papilledema is recognized in osteopetrosis patients, it may be reasonable to start with an ONSF even if the optic canal seems to be stenotic because of the lower morbidity that is associated with this procedure compared with other surgical options.

Background With the ongoing development of surgical procedures and instruments, the safety of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) has been improved. Objective Through the past three decades, progress has been made in preventing visual loss from chronic optic nerve swelling in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), secondary intracranial hypertension and local optic nerve diseases. We now review the updated application of ONSF in those diseases. Methods The application of ONSF in papilledema due to IIH, secondary intracranial hypertension to cerebral venous sinus occlusion, Cryptococcal meningitis, and intracranial mass or tumors is reviewed. Additionally, the potential benefits of ONSF in local optic neuropathy from optic nerve sheath meningioma, optic nerve drusen, traumatic optic neuropathy and optic nerve/sheath biopsy are also described. Results Although ONSF has little or no effect on intracranial pressure, it is a safe, relative easy and effective surgical procedure to prevent or reverse visual loss in IIH. When other treatment modalities fail to timely protect vision, ONSF can be useful in protecting visual function or delay visual loss in secondary intracranial hypertension. Conclusion We recommend that ONSF should be considered as a meaningful alternative or an adjunct therapy to reduce or delay the visual morbidity of these diseases, although the use of ONSF for some of them remains controversial.

Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is an important procedure in the management of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) who do not respond to medical treatment. Traditional surgical approaches for fenestration have limitations. Furthermore, when tumors in the intraconal space medially and superiorly are encountered, complex surgical approaches with significant morbidity have been used. We present our surgical approach to these conditions with a technique that is quick, safe, and efficient.

It has come to our attention that there has been an error in the previous work [...]

Papilledema is defined as a secondary edema of the optic disc caused by the increased intracranial pressure [1]. A variety of intracranial diseases will lead to increased intracranial pressure, such as intracranial space-occupying lesion, various forms of hydrocephalus, intracranial infection, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) (Fig. 28.1).

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a detectable cause. The main symptoms are headaches, vision loss, disc edema, double vision, and tinnitus. Risk factors include obesity, clotting disorders, and certain medications. Diagnosis is based on signs and symptoms of increased ICP with an elevated intracranial pressure, no localizing signs with the exception of abducens nerve palsy, normal CSF, and normal imaging with no intracranial mass. The best-studied medical treatment for intracranial hypertension is acetazolamide. Other medical options include furosemide. Various analgesics (painkillers) and topiramate may be used in controlling the headaches of intracranial hypertension. Based on current scientific literature, there is no clear optimal method for surgical intervention in IIH. Most studies have shown no significant difference when it comes to visual improvement, headache reduction, papilledema resolution and surgical morbidities. The choices currently lie between ONSF and CSF diversion with some variation on a shunt. Sinus stenting is achieving good results with a relatively low complication rate but there is insufficient evidence in the literature to confirm its absolute role. Management of IIH is multifactorial and aims to achieve the goal of preventing vision loss and diminishing symptoms and must be individualized to each patient.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, describes a disease of poorly understood pathophysiology with a specific set of signs and symptoms including potentially irreversible and blinding visual loss. Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is a well-described surgical treatment for patients with IIH and progressive visual loss despite maximally tolerated medical therapy. A number of optic nerve access procedures have been described including medial transconjunctival, superomedial lid crease, and lateral orbitotomy with and without bone takedown. The purpose of this report is to describe a revised lateral approach for temporal optic nerve access that obviates the need to traverse through the intraconal fat of the central surgical space in the previously described lateral approach techniques.

There are a number of surgical options for treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) when it is refractory to medical treatment and weight loss. Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is one of these options. Use of this procedure varies among centers due to experience with the procedure and concern for associated complications that can result in severe loss of vision. This review summarizes the literature concerning post-surgical complications of ONSF for IIH.

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the correlation between the decrease of the Ophthalmic Nerve Sheath Diameter ONSD assessed by Ultrasound after a Surgery of Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration ONSF for the treatment of a Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension IIH and its success in the perioperative period A year old female diagnosed with IIH was scheduled for unilateral ONSF surgery We evaluated the ONSD after and before the surgery The measurements were mm mean for the both eyes BEFORE the surgery mm for the LE and mm for the RE respectively and mm fifteen minutes AFTER the fenestration of the LE Optic Nerve Sheath RE mm LE mm means There was a difference in the Optic sheath in the Operated Left Eye ONSD mm and we could estimate the location of the fenestration in the images We think this is the ideal method to evaluate the response to the surgical treatment for the IIH patients as non invasive low cost and in site technique The aim of this study is to demonstrate the correlation between the decrease of the Ophthalmic Nerve Sheath Diameter ONSD assessed by Ultrasound after a Surgery of Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration ONSF for the treatment of a Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension IIH and its success in the perioperative period A year old female diagnosed with IIH was scheduled for unilateral ONSF surgery We evaluated the ONSD after and before the surgery The measurements were mm mean for the both eyes BEFORE the surgery mm for the LE and mm for the RE respectively and mm fifteen minutes AFTER the fenestration of the LE Optic Nerve Sheath RE mm LE mm means There was a difference in the Optic sheath in the Operated Left Eye ONSD mm and we could estimate the location of the fenestration in the images We think this is the ideal method to evaluate the response to the surgical treatment for the IIH patients as non invasive low cost and in site technique

In patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), papilledema, elevated intracranial pressure secondary to disease elsewhere in the body with progressive vision loss despite medical management, optic nerve sheath fenestration may be employed to help relieve the elevated intracranial pressure. In this procedure, incision(s) are made into the meninges surrounding the optic nerve in order to relieve elevated intracranial pressure. The effect of surgery is usually limited to the ipsilateral optic nerve, but the procedure has been shown to have a “filtration effect” in some cases, where there is observed improvement in headaches and contralateral disc edema as well.

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether optic nerve sheath fenestration in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension was associated with improvement in visual field pattern deviation and optical coherence tomography retinal nerve fiber layer thickness.The records of 13 eyes of 11 patients who underwent optic nerve sheath fenestration were reviewed. The subjects were patients of a clinical practice in Dallas, Texas. Charts were reviewed for pre- and postoperative visual field pattern deviation (PD) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL).PD and RNFL significantly improved after surgery. Average PD preoperatively was 8.51 DB and postoperatively was 4.80 DB (p = 0.0002). Average RNFL preoperatively was 113.63 and postoperatively was 102.70 (p = 0.01). The preoperative PD and RNFL did not correlate strongly.Our results demonstrate that PD and RNFL are improved after optic nerve sheath fenestration. The pre- and postoperative RNFL values were compared to the average RNFL value of healthy optic nerves obtained from the literature. Post-ONSF RNFL values were significantly closer to the normal value than preoperative. RNFL is an objective parameter for monitoring the optic nerve after optic nerve sheath fenestration. This study adds to the evidence that OCT RNFL may be an effective monitoring tool for patients with IIH and that it continues to be a useful parameter after ONSF.

Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been increasing in prevalence in the past decade, following the obesity epidemic. When medical treatment fails, surgical treatment options must be considered. However, controversy remains as to which surgical procedure is the preferred surgical option - optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting - for the long-term treatment of this syndrome. Purpose: To provide a clinical update of the pros and cons of ONSF versus shunt placement for the treatment of IIH. Design: This was a retrospective review of the current literature in the English language indexed in PubMed. Methods: The authors conducted a PubMed search using the following terms: Idiopathic IIH, pseudotumor cerebri, ONSF, CSF shunts, vetriculo-peritoneal shunting, and lumbo-peritoneal shunting. The authors included pertinent and significant original articles, review articles, and case reports, which revealed the new aspects and updates in these topics. Results: The treatment of IIH remains controversial and lacks randomized controlled clinical trial data. Treatment of IIH rests with the determination of the severity of IIH-related visual loss and headache. Conclusion: The decision for ONSF versus shunting is somewhat institution and surgeon dependent. ONSF is preferred for patients with visual symptoms whereas shunting is reserved for patients with headache. There are positive and negative aspects of both procedures, and a prospective, randomized, controlled trial is needed (currently underway). This article will hopefully be helpful in allowing the reader to make a more informed decision until that time.

A 10-year-old boy with bilateral colobomatous cavitary disc anomalies presented with a 3-month history of vision loss in his right eye. MRI of the head and orbit revealed bilateral tubular cystic enlargement of the optic nerve/optic sheath complex with thickening of the optic nerves without inflammation or neoplasm, suggestive of bilateral optic nerve meningocele. An optic nerve sheath fenestration was performed OD, and he experienced an improvement and stabilization of vision in his right eye during a 1-year follow-up period. The authors recommend that surgical decompression, particularly optic nerve sheath fenestration, should be considered in cases with progressive vision loss due to optic nerve meningocele.

This is a case report about a patient with chronic papilledema, who was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and who developed optic nerve head atrophy in the left eye and progressive visual field defect in both eyes. An IIH patient with a 4-year history of chronic papilledema did not show response to the standard pharmacological treatment of acetazolamide and Solu-Medrol, and underwent optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) of the left eye with atrophic nerve. After the surgery and a follow-up of 1 year, visual field defect progression in the left eye stopped. Visual acuity remained 20/20. Thus, although the chronic papilledema in the right eye was still present, vision acuity and visual field were stable. ONSF should be considered as a treatment of choice for IIH in patients who do not respond to pharmacological treatment and who show progressive visual field defect.

The role of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) in the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension remains controversial, with indications, risks, and benefits compared to cerebro-spinal fluid diversion procedures not fully elucidated. We report a retrospective record review of 37 patients (50 eyes) which had undergone ONSF by a single surgeon. Visual acuity (VA) improved in 22% of operated eyes and 17% of fellow eyes; stabilized in 54% of operated and 74% of fellow eyes; and deteriorated in 24% of operated and 9% of fellow eyes. Better pre-operative VA (p = 0.01), colour vision (p = 0.002), and earlier intervention (p = 0.04) were associated with stabilization. We conclude that ONSF often stabilizes vision and visual fields. Our results were best in patients with better pre-operative vision and in those with earlier intervention.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-diversion procedures have traditionally been the standard of treatment for patients with medically refractive idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). However, dural venous sinus stent (VSS) placement has been described as a safe and effective procedure for the management of medically refractive IIH. We performed a meta-analysis comparing outcomes and complications of CSF-diversion procedures, VSS and optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) for the treatment of medically refractive IIH. Methods: Electronic searches were performed using six databases from 1988 to January 2017. Data was extracted and meta-analysed from the identified studies. Results: From 55 pooled studies, there were 538 CSF-diversion cases, 224 dural venous stent placements, and 872 ONSF procedures. Similar improvements were found in terms of postoperative headaches (CSF vs . VSS vs . ONSF: 84% vs . 78% vs . 62%, P=0.223), papilledema (CSF vs . VSS vs . ONSF: 71% vs . 86% vs . 77%, P=0.192), whilst visual acuity changes favored venous stenting (CSF vs . VSS vs . ONSF: 55% vs . 69% vs . 44%, P=0.037). There was a significantly lower rate of subsequent procedures with venous stent placement (CSF vs . VSS vs . ONSF: 37% vs . 13% vs . 18%, P vs . VSS vs . ONSF: 13% vs . 8% vs . 14%, P=0.28). Subgroup analysis of lumbar-peritoneal vs . ventriculoperitoneal shunts found no differences in symptom improvements, complications and subsequent procedure rates. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dural venous sinus stenting may be a viable alternative to traditional surgical interventions in patients who are refractory to medical treatment.

Background: To determine the efficacy and safety of optic nerve sheath fenestration, and to identify factors predicting visual field (VF) and visual acuity (VA) in patients with progressive pseudotumour cerebri syndrome. Methods: This retrospective observational case series studied 51 eyes of 32 patients with pseudotumour cerebri syndrome, by chart review and comparison of preoperative and postoperative examinations. Main outcome measures included VF, VA and complications. Results: Postoperative VF mean deviation scores improved (P = 0.03) within 6 months when compared with preoperative VF. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that eyes with mean deviation ≥ −20 dB were associated with improved or stabilized VA at 6 months, odds ratio 7.5 and confidence interval (1.2, 46.1), P = 0.03. Eyes with VF defects outside 10° of fixation were associated with improved or stabilized VF at 6 months odds ratio 9.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 85.9, P = 0.04. Five patients developed self-limiting complications from surgery. Conclusions: Optic nerve sheath fenestration is safe and effective in stabilizing or improving VF and VA in the short to medium term. Patients with mild VF loss improved following surgery, and patients with severe VF loss stabilized following surgery.

BACKGROUND: Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is a surgical procedure that is sometimes performed in patients with optic disc edema from increased intracranial pressure. The objective of this study was to assess the consequence of ONSF on optic nerve axons, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and retinal amacrine cells. METHODS: The optic nerves of 22 male Wistar rats were assigned to one of three groups. In Group 1 (n = 12), the rats underwent unilateral ONSF. In Group 2 (n = 10), the rat optic nerves were unilaterally exposed but were not operated on. Group 3 (n = 22) consisted of the optic nerves of Group 1 and Group 2 rats that were neither operated on nor exposed. Thirty days later, a cresyl violet staining method was used to assess the number and sizes of RGCs and amacrine cells. Optic nerve axons were assessed by means of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity. RESULTS: ONSF was associated with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the number and size of RGCs and amacrine cells. Optic nerve axons were undisturbed. CONCLUSIONS: Although ONSF does not apparently injure the optic nerve axons, loss and shrinkage of RGCs is a caution when considering ONSF as a treatment.

Background and Objective Optic nerve sheath fenestration is an established procedure for relief of potentially damaging overpressure on the optic nerve resulting from idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Prior work showed that a mid-IR free-electron laser could be delivered endoscopically and used to produce an effective fenestration. This study evaluates the efficacy of fenestration using a table-top mid-IR source based on a Raman-shifted alexandrite (RSA) laser. Study Design/Materials and Methods Porcine optic nerves were ablated using light from an RSA laser at wavelengths of 6.09, 6.27, and 6.43 μm and pulse energies up to 3 mJ using both free-space and endoscopic beam delivery through 250-μm I.D. hollow-glass waveguides. Waveguide transmission was characterized, ablation thresholds and etch rates were measured, and the efficacy of endoscopic fenestration was evaluated for ex vivo exposures using both optical coherence tomography and histological analysis. Results Using endoscopic delivery, the RSA laser can effectively fenestrate porcine optic nerves. Performance was optimized at a wavelength of 6.09 μm and delivered pulse energies of 0.5–0.8 mJ (requiring 1.5–2.5 mJ to be incident on the waveguide). Under these conditions, the ablation threshold fluence was 0.8 ± 0.2 J/cm2, the ablation rate was 1–4 μm/pulse, and the margins of ablation craters showed little evidence of thermal or mechanical damage. Nonetheless, nominally identical exposures yielded highly variable ablation rates. This led to fenestrations that ranged from too deep to too shallow—either damaging the underlying optic nerve or requiring additional exposure to cut fully through the sheath. Of 48 excised nerves subjected to fenestration at 6.09 μm, 16 ex vivo fenestrations were judged as good, 23 as too deep, and 9 as too shallow. Conclusions Mid-IR pulses from the RSA laser, propagated through a flexible hollow waveguide, are capable of cutting through porcine optic nerve sheaths in surgically relevant times with reasonable accuracy and low collateral damage. This can be accomplished at wavelengths of 6.09 or 6.27 μm, with 6.09 μm slightly preferred. The depth of ex vivo fenestrations was difficult to control, but excised nerves lack a sufficient layer of cerebrospinal fluid that would provide an additional margin of safety in actual patients. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:270–280, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Purpose Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) has evolved since its inception in 1872. Surgical approaches include a lateral orbitotomy, a medial orbitotomy, or a superomedial lid crease. The actual fenestration can be done with slits or a window excision with biopsy. Each variation has its advantages and disadvantages. We describe the current preferences in surgical approach and biopsy for ONSF and examine the value of biopsy in patients who have undergone ONSF. Design Eight-question survey and retrospective, noncomparative case review. Subjects All American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS) members are invited to participate in a survey and ONSFs from 1998 to 2013 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Methods Data from the survey was analyzed and patient records were reviewed. Main outcome measures Preferred surgical approach, type of fenestration, and biopsy results. Results Sixty-four percent of responding ASOPRS members (150/236) have not performed an ONSF in the last year. One third of that group has performed an ONSF in the last 5 years. Fifty-nine percent perform a medial; 10%, a lateral and 31%, a superomedial approach. Seventy-three percent perform a window fenestration, and about half of those surgeons send the specimen for pathologic evaluation. Anecdotally, some biopsies from surgeons who were surveyed have revealed new diagnoses. In a chart review of 90 cases of ONSF, no biopsy gave an unexpected result. Conclusion The medial approach for ONSF is most common in our respondents; however, the superomedial lid crease incision is gaining popularity for its efficiency and elegance. Three quarters of surgeons remove a window and a quarter fenestrate with slits. Optic nerve sheath biopsy has limited diagnostic value. In the absence of any evidence to suggest a diagnosis other than idiopathic intracranial hypertension, the usefulness of biopsy during fenestration is low.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder of unknown aetiology, and causes elevated intracranial pressures. This is often associated with papilloedema with subsequent degrees of optic atrophy if the intracranial pressures are not controlled in a timely manner. Optical coherence tomography imaging is widely recognised for its use in the monitoring of optic nerves in glaucoma, and this report is the first to describe its use to monitor the optic nerve head pre optic and post optic nerve sheath fenestration.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) and pseudotumor cerebri, is a syndrome characterised by raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in the absence of an intracranial mass or ventricular abnormality and normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is advocated as a treatment for patients on maximal medical therapy with progressive visual field loss. We present the visual results of 13 patients undergoing ONSF on 27 eyes (primary, secondary and tertiary procedures) over a 5 year period. Overall 4 eyes (14.8%) had improved visual acuity after surgery, whilst 23 eyes (85.2%) were unchanged. Visual fields were improved in 18 eyes (66.7%), 2 (7.4%) were unchanged and 4 (14.8%) deteriorated despite surgery. Colour vision improved in 12 (44.4%), was unchanged in 3 (11.1%) and deteriorated in 7 (25.9%) eyes. 5 (18.5%) eyes had normal colour vision before and after surgery. 10 (77%) subjects were able to stop medical treatment after...

Purpose The purpose of this study was to report a rare case of retinal reperfusion injury after optic nerve sheath fenestration surgery. Patients and methods Single patient case report. Results A 58-year-old African American woman presented with severe visual loss in the right eye 2 weeks after optic nerve sheath fenestration surgery. Retinal examination at presentation showed severe arterial narrowing and the appearance of new intraretinal hemorrhages. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated delayed venous filling. Conclusion Severe visual loss after optic nerve sheath fenestration procedure is uncommon. This case may represent the first reported case of reperfusion injury in human eyes.

A 35-year-old woman with a 7-year history of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (ICH) was referred for radionuclide cisternography. The symptoms of her ICH included severe migraines and bilateral visual loss. During the course of her illness the ICH was managed with insertion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts. The duration of effect was limited due to the development of obstruction to drainage within these shunts. The progression of visual loss in the eyes prompted the creation of bilateral optic nerve sheath fenestration. This was performed 3 months before presentation. Despite this intervention the vision in the left eye continued to deteriorate. Radionuclide cisternography confirmed blockage of the left optic nerve sheath fenestration which responded to surgical decompression.