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Background: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration (ONSF) in improving visual outcomes in patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted using data from 19 studies, totaling 1159 observations. The main assessed outcomes after ONSF surgery were: the improvement in visual acuity, the improvement in visual fields and reduction in papilledema. We performed separate analyses to distinguish between outcomes using different surgical approaches. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in the Ovid MEDLINE(R) and SCOPUS databases, following PRISMA guidelines. Statistical analyses employed a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) to integrate proportion data, with heterogeneity assessed via I-squared and H statistics. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots, Egger's test, and Peters' test. Results: The analysis revealed that ONSF significantly improved visual acuity in 41.09% of patients, and visual fields in 76.34% of cases. The transconjunctival approach demonstrated higher success rates for visual field improvement. A high improvement rate of 97% was observed in reducing optic disc swelling. Significant heterogeneity was noted, particularly in visual acuity (I2 = 92.1%) and visual field improvements (I2 = 73.8%), reflecting variability in surgical techniques and patient demographics. Publication bias assessments indicated no significant bias for visual acuity and visual field outcomes, although potential bias was detected for papilledema reduction. Conclusions: This meta-analysis confirms that ONSF is effective in improving visual outcomes for IIH patients, especially when using the transconjunctival approach. Early surgical intervention is crucial for optimal results, principally in preventing advanced ischemic damage. Despite high success rates, observed heterogeneity highlights the need for standardized surgical techniques and further investigation into patient-specific factors influencing outcomes. Addressing potential publication bias and conducting more rigorous studies will enhance the reliability of future meta-analyses. Upcoming research in ONSF efficacy is needed to refine surgical practices and optimize patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) can lead to pseudotumour cerebri (PTC), either due to direct effects of the disease or as a complication of its treatment with the vitamin A derivative all-trans-retinoic acid or arsenic. We report the case of a patient with sight-threatening papilledema secondary to APML-induced PTC who was treated with bilateral optic nerve sheath fenestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is defined as signs and symptoms caused only by raised intracranial pressure without established brain pathogenesis. IIH is typically seen in women who are obese and of childbearing age. The pathogenic mechanisms of IIH are still unclear, but the unbalance between production and absorption of cerebral spinal fluid was speculated. The clinical symptoms include headache, transient visual obscuration, pulsation tinnitus, and diplopia. Most patients present to ophthalmologist as bilateral papilledema, whereas underdiagnosed or inappropriate management can lead to severe optic atrophy and permanent visual loss. Management includes disease modification as body weight loss, medication treatment as inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase enzyme, surgical interventions as optic nerve sheath fenestration, venous sinus stenting and CSF diversion. In this review, we focus on the epidemiology feature, clinical manifestations, diagnosed criteria, as well as the characteristic of IIH patients in China. As IIH is not widely understood by ophthalmologist and neurologist in China, we addressed that the prompt diagnosis and treatment can avoid the severe visual loss in patient of late stage IIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) typically affects women of childbearing age, is associated with recent weight gain, and can result in debilitating headache as well as papilledema that can cause vision loss. There have been advances in the medical and surgical treatment of affected patients with IIH that can improve outcomes and tolerability of therapy. Recent Findings: Medical treatment with agents that lower intracranial pressure through pathways other than carbonic anhydrase inhibition are being developed, and medically-directed weight loss as well as bariatric surgery now may be considered as primary therapy. New surgical options including venous sinus stenting have shown efficacy even with cases of severe vision loss. Summary: Our treatment options for IIH patients are becoming more diverse, and individualized treatment decisions are now possible to address specific components of the patient's disease manifestations and to lead to IIH remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although numerous case series and meta-analyses have shown the efficacy of venous sinus stenting (VSS) in the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and idiopathic intracranial hypertension–associated pulsatile tinnitus, there remain numerous challenges to be resolved. There is no widespread agreement on candidacy; pressure gradient and failed medical treatment are common indications, but not all clinicians require medical refractoriness as a criterion. Venous manometry, venography, and cerebral angiography are essential tools for patient assessment, but again disagreements exist regarding the best, or most appropriate, diagnostic imaging choice. Challenges with the VSS technique also exist, such as stent choice and deployment. There are considerations regarding postprocedural balloon angioplasty and pharmacologic treatment, but there is insufficient evidence to formalize postoperative decision making. Although complications of VSS are relatively rare, they include in-stent stenosis, hemorrhage, and subdural hematoma, and the learning curve for VSS presents specific challenges in navigating venous anatomy, emphasizing the need for wider availability of high-quality training. Recurrence of symptoms, particularly stent-adjacent stenosis, poses challenges, and although restenting and cerebrospinal fluid–diverting procedures are options, there is a need for clearer criteria for retreatment strategies. Despite these challenges, when comparing VSS with traditional cerebrospinal fluid–diverting procedures, VSS emerges as a favorable option, with strong clinical outcomes, lower complication rates, and cost-effectiveness. Further research is necessary to refine techniques and indications and address specific aspects of VSS to overcome these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration (ONSF) for salvaging acutely threatened vision in patients of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). Methods: This retrospective, interventional case series study was performed at Institute of Ophthalmology Mayo Hospital Lahore from September 2017 to September 2019. Nine patients diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension as per Modified Dandy Criteria, underwent medial trans-conjunctival ONSF. Pre-operative and 1st day, 1st week, 1st month, 1st year, and 2nd year postoperative best-corrected logMAR visual acuities (BCVA) were recorded. Mean BCVA were calculated and compared using paired t-test. P-value <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: All nine patients were female with a mean age of 24 years. The average best-corrected pre-operative logMAR visual acuity (BCVA) in the better eye was 0.5 ± 0.28 and in the worse eye was 1.0 ± 0.57. After the worse eye ONSF, at 1st week mean BCVA in better eyes was 0.27 ± 0.32 (p-value=0.001), while it was 0.43 ± 0.63 (p-value=0.006) in the worse eyes. At 2nd year follow-up after optic nerve sheath fenestration mean BCVA in better eyes was 0.30 ± 0.30 (p-value=0.002) and in worse eyes was 0.44 ± 0.63 (p-value=0.007). Four patients (44.4%) had a subconjunctival hemorrhage, two patients (22.2%) had binocular diplopia, one patient (11.1%) pre-septal cellulitis, and one patient (11.1%) had no improvement in vision because of pre-operative secondary optic atrophy. All patients had unilateral fenestration and bilateral improvement, six patients (66.67%) reported improvement in headache and successful tapering of medical therapy. Conclusion: Optic nerve sheath fenestration is effective as well as a safe surgical procedure to salvage acutely threatened vision in patients of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension on maximal medical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) longitudinal outcomes remain unclear and are vital in the assessment of vision failure in patients with raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Furthermore, limited observational data exists regarding its use in other causes of raised ICP. Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of ONSF for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), and other indications. Method: Multicentre study from a tertiary hospital and specialty eye referral hospital in Melbourne, Australia, from July 2000 to December 2020. A total of 116 eyes from 70 patients undergoing ONSF were retrospectively reviewed with patient demographics, surgery indications, visual acuity (VA), visual fields, fundus photos of optic discs, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, average thickness of optic discs on optical coherence tomography (OCT), and complications recorded. Parametric tests were used to compare the treatment groups pre- and post-operatively. Results: A total of 116 eyes from 70 patients underwent ONSF, which involved 92 eyes with IIH, 9 eyes with CVST, and 15 eyes with other aetiologies ('Other'). Post ONSF, there was a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement or stabilisation in 84% of patients in all groups, with 50% achieving a BCVA of 6/6 or better at the final follow-up. RNFL, visual fields, and fundus grades all trended towards improvement, with most improvement noted by day 360. Common complications included transient diplopia (n = 29, 25%) and worsening of visual function requiring further cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedures (n = 20, 17%). Complications were most significant in the 'Other' group with 1/3 of eyes requiring further CSF diversion procedures. Conclusion: Our data demonstrates effectiveness in the use of ONSF in papilloedema with visual failure due to IIH or CVST and when other CSF diversion procedures or medical therapies have failed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) on the rate of visual function improvement in patients with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS). Retrospective chart review of patients with PTCS who underwent ONSF between 1998 and 2017. Visual function was evaluated by evaluating visual field (VF), mean deviation (MD), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, papilledema grade, and visual acuity (VA) prior to and after ONSF. Seventeen female patients aged 17 to 36 years underwent unilateral ONSF. Follow-up averaged 40.1 months. VF MD improved steadily in both eyes up to 12 months. Average RNFL thickness improved in the operated eye from 347 ± 166 mm to 92 ± 27 mm (p <.001) and the non-operated eyes from 306 ± 165 mm to 109 ± 46 mm (p <.001). The grade of papilledema improved in the operated eye from 3.3 ± 1.3 to 0.3 ± 0.7 and the non-operated eye from 3.0 ± 1.6 to 0.18 ± 0.4. There was an exponential rate of improvement in papilledema and RNFL thickness, with the greatest improvement occurring within the first 30 days. Average visual acuity remained intact in both eyes before and after surgery. ONSF in appropriately selected patients leads to rapid improvement in papilledema and a steady recovery in VF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:To evaluate the effectiveness of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) on visual functions in patients with increased intracranial pressure (İİP).Materials and Methods:The medical records of 24 eyes of 17 patients who had İİP due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, or intracranial cyst and underwent ONSF surgery to prevent visual loss were evaluated. Pre- and postoperative visual acuity, optic disc images, and visual field findings were reviewed.Results:The mean age of the patients was 30.4±8.5 years, and 88.2% were female. The patients’ mean body mass index was 28.67±6.1 kg/m2. The mean follow-up time was 24±12.1 months (range: 3-44). At postoperative 3 months, the mean best-corrected distance visual acuity had improved in 20 eyes (83.3%) and stabilized in 4 eyes (16.7%) compared to preoperative values. In visual field mean deviation, an improvement was observed in 10 eyes (90.9%), while 1 eye (9.1%) eye remained stable. Optic disc edema decreased in all patients.Conclusion:This study indicates that ONSF has beneficial effects on visual function in patients with rapidly progressive visual loss caused by increased intracranial pressure.

Plain Language Summary Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a cerebrovascular disease that generally affects young patients. Medical treatments include anticoagulants, intracranial pressure (ICP)-lowering medications, and repeated lumbar punctures, effectively reducing CVST’s mortality rate. However, CVST still carries a potential risk of progressive vision loss. Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) has been reported to be effective and safe in protecting visual function of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. However, its efficacy and safety have not been evaluated in visual loss caused by CVST. We were the first to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ONSF in CVST-induced progressive visual loss based on long-term follow-ups. Before ONSF, all patients were still experiencing progressive visual loss despite receiving adequate anticoagulation and ICP-lowering therapy. We found ONSF to be 80.6% (1 week postoperatively) and 60.7% (after long-term follow-up of over 6 months) effective in stabilizing and/or improving visual function as well as 100% effective in papilledema resolution. Moreover, ONSF exhibited a favorable safety profile, with an extremely low complication rate of 5.6% despite under perioperative anticoagulation. Although visual impairment in CVST was reported to be uncommon, it often significantly affects quality of life and social value of patients. Thus, visual loss in CVST deserves more attention from neurologists, neurosurgeons, and ophthalmologists. Considering its efficacy and favorable safety, ONSF could be regarded a potentially important adjunctive approach to resolving progressive visual loss in CVST patients, on the basis of anticoagulation and ICP-lowering therapy. Procedural videos available for this article.

Vestibular schwannoma is a common pathology encountered by neurosurgeons worldwide. Often vestibular schwannoma presents with obstructive hydrocephalus. Papilledema is present in 8% of the patients with vestibular schwannoma, primarily due to obstructive hydrocephalus. Hyperproteinorrhachia is believed to be responsible for papilledema in the absence of hydrocephalus in vestibular schwannoma. However, there is a paucity of literature on the mechanism of papilledema in vestibular schwannoma patients with hydrocephalus. The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review of scientific literature on papilledema in vestibular schwannoma patients without hydrocephalus. Design: This was a systematic scoping review and critical appraisal. Literature Search from PubMed was done following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for conducting and reporting scoping reviews. A total of seven studies, including eight patients, were identified for inclusion in the review. The studies were heterogeneous in terms of reporting for various variables. All the included studies were case reports, with the earliest publication in 1954 and the latest publication in 2020. The mean age of the patients in the included studies was 35 years, with a minimum age of 20 years and maximum age of 64 years. Approximately 62.5% were females, and 37.5% were males in the included study. Only three studies have studied cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins levels in these patients. There is paucity in literature and a lack of evidence to conclusively state hyperproteinorrhachia as an antecedent to the development of papilledema in vestibular schwannoma patients without hydrocephalus. Younger age and female gender are risk factors for developing papilledema in the absence of hydrocephalus in vestibular schwannoma patients. Brainstem compression due to the large size of vestibular schwannoma can still have a patent aqueduct of Sylvius and no obstruction to CSF flow. The development of papilledema in vestibular schwannoma is a complex interplay of multiple factors that must be studied comprehensively for complete understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Progressive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)-induced visual loss remains problematic, despite decreasing overall mortality owing to early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) improves or stabilizes visual function in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension; however, its role in CVST awaits elucidation. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ONSF in resolving CVST-induced visual impairment based on long-term observation. Methods: This observational study included 18 patients with progressive CVST-induced visual loss, who had undergone ONSF between 2012 and 2021. Patients received maximum medical therapy, including anticoagulants and intracranial pressure (ICP)-lowering medications. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual fields (VFs), and optic nerve head were assessed at baseline, at 1 week after ONSF, and over 6 months after ONSF. Activities of daily living (ADL) and National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) scores were assessed at final follow-up. Results: Thirty-one ONSF-treated eyes of 18 patients were included. The mean follow-up duration was 35.6 months (range 1 week–8 years). Two patients were lost to follow-up. Before ONSF, all patients were still experiencing progressive visual loss despite receiving adequate anticoagulation and ICP-lowering therapy. Postoperative BCVA remained stable or improved in 25/31 eyes (80.6%) 1 week postoperatively and 17/28 eyes (60.7%) upon final follow-up. All papilledema resolved postoperatively. No complications were reported except for one transient postoperative diplopia. The median ADL score was 100 (range 25–100), and the mean total VFQ-25 score was 40.6 (range 9.5–87.3). Conclusion: This was the largest study to describe ONSF's role in CVST based on a long-term follow-up. Considering its efficacy and favorable safety, ONSF can be considered an important adjunctive approach to resolving progressive visual loss of CVST patients, on the basis of anticoagulation and ICP-lowering therapy. Plain Language Summary: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a cerebrovascular disease that generally affects young patients. Medical treatments include anticoagulants, intracranial pressure (ICP)-lowering medications, and repeated lumbar punctures, effectively reducing CVST's mortality rate. However, CVST still carries a potential risk of progressive vision loss. Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) has been reported to be effective and safe in protecting visual function of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. However, its efficacy and safety have not been evaluated in visual loss caused by CVST. We were the first to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ONSF in CVST-induced progressive visual loss based on long-term follow-ups. Before ONSF, all patients were still experiencing progressive visual loss despite receiving adequate anticoagulation and ICP-lowering therapy. We found ONSF to be 80.6% (1 week postoperatively) and 60.7% (after long-term follow-up of over 6 months) effective in stabilizing and/or improving visual function as well as 100% effective in papilledema resolution. Moreover, ONSF exhibited a favorable safety profile, with an extremely low complication rate of 5.6% despite under perioperative anticoagulation. Although visual impairment in CVST was reported to be uncommon, it often significantly affects quality of life and social value of patients. Thus, visual loss in CVST deserves more attention from neurologists, neurosurgeons, and ophthalmologists. Considering its efficacy and favorable safety, ONSF could be regarded a potentially important adjunctive approach to resolving progressive visual loss in CVST patients, on the basis of anticoagulation and ICP-lowering therapy. Procedural videos available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Visual impairment is the most common clinical feature of cerebral venous sinus occlusion or cerebral venous thrombosis-induced intracranial hypertension, which can result in optic atrophy, leading to irreversible vision loss, visual field defections, and finally, permanent blindness. Papilledema is a typical early pathophysiological alteration in visual impairment. Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) has become increasingly accepted as an option to prevent or halt progressive visual loss owing to its low risk and complications. The objective of this study is to review the latest research progress on ONSF for the treatment of visual impairment related to cerebral venous diseases. Methods: Study were searched following PRISMA guidelines based on three electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase and Medline-Ovid). We used the following keywords and variations as keywords to identify studies: "optic nerve sheath fenestration, papilledema, cerebral venous diseases, cerebral venous stenosis, cerebral venous thrombosis, idiopathic intracranial hypertension". The publication date of studies was restricted between 1,872.1.1 and 2,021.12.31. The application of ONSF in papilledema due to cerebral venous diseases is reviewed. Additionally, the common surgical approaches as well as advantages and disadvantages are also described graphically. Results: With the improvement of specific details of the ONSF procedure and surgical instruments, complications of ONSF have reduced and its safety has been significantly improved, although the number of clinically investigated cases in the literature remains low. Conclusion: We recommend that ONSF should be considered as an imperative alternative to reduce or delay the visual morbidity of cerebral venous diseases, although there is yet no consensus on the optimal surgical timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) on visual functions in patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Materials and Methods: The medical records of 24 eyes of 17 patients who had ICP due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, or intracranial cyst and underwent ONSF surgery to prevent visual loss were evaluated. Pre- and postoperative visual acuity, optic disc images, and visual field findings were reviewed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 30.4±8.5 years, and 88.2% were female. The patients' mean body mass index was 28.67±6.1 kg/m². The mean follow-up time was 24±12.1 months (range: 3-44). At postoperative 3 months, the mean best-corrected distance visual acuity had improved in 20 eyes (83.3%) and stabilized in 4 eyes (16.7%) compared to preoperative values. In visual field mean deviation, an improvement was observed in 10 eyes (90.9%), while 1 eye (9.1%) eye remained stable. Optic disc edema decreased in all patients. Conclusion: This study indicates that ONSF has beneficial effects on visual function in patients with rapidly progressive visual loss caused by increased intracranial pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dural venous sinus stenting (VSS) is an effective intervention for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) refractory to medical treatment. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy by utilizing a large multi-institutional sample. Five hundred forty-one patients >18 years old who underwent VSS within 3 years of IIH diagnosis were queried using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes from the TriNetX Analytics Network. Patient demographics, baseline symptoms, procedures, and clinical outcomes were evaluated within 1 year postoperatively. Outcomes examined were headache, tinnitus, blindness/low vision, optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt, and use of medications (acetazolamide, methazolamide, furosemide, topiramate, tricyclic antidepressants, and valproate) for IIH. Prestent and poststent data were compared using Fisher exact test, and the odds ratios were computed using the Baptista-Pike method. The mean age at VSS was 36.7 ± 10.6; 92% were female, 65% of patients were Caucasian, 25% were Black/African American, 1% were Asian, and 9% were of other/unknown race. Within the 1-year follow-up, acetazolamide and topiramate use were significantly reduced post-VSS (P < 0.0001∗; odds ratio, 0.45; confidence interval, 0.35–0.57 and P = 0.03∗; odds ratio, 0.71; confidence interval, 0.52–0.95, respectively). Also, headaches, visual disturbance, dizziness/giddiness, and tinnitus significantly improved post-VSS (P < 0.005∗). Finally, the number of CSF shunt procedures and ONSF procedures demonstrated no significant change post-VSS (P > 0.05). VSS is an effective and safe procedure resulting in significant improvement of headaches, visual impairment, dizziness, and tinnitus, acetazolamide and topiramate usage were lower after VSS in patients with IIH. The paucity of pre-VSS and post-VSS CSF shunt and ONSF procedure data does not provide enough evidence to establish significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 (p<0.001) 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 (p<0.001), as well as VA improvement in the contralateral unoperated eye (p<0.001). 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is defined as a syndrome of raised intracranial pressure with normal imaging of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition. There is a rising incidence and prevalence of this disease related to the increased prevalence of obesity. It typically affects women of working age, and headache is the predominant morbidity in over 90%. The disease is also more prevalent in young males. There are many controversies and myths that surround IIH. There are currently few treatment options for IIH, management is typically medical with those experiencing progressive visual loss undergoing surgical procedures. Weight loss and venous sinus stenting are a few therapies directed at the etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Trend of interventional therapies for IIH over recent years is not well-studied. • IIH incidence and tendency to utilize EVS in practice had increased from 2010 to 2018. • EVS was associated with less readmission rates compared to shunting and ONSF. • EVS was associated with shorter hospital stay duration compared to shunting and ONSF. • Future clinical trials should focus on deploying EVS procedures for treatment of IIH. The pattern of surgical treatments for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) in the United States is not well-studied, specifically the trend of utilizing endovascular venous stenting (EVS) as an emerging technique. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to explore the national trend of utilizing different procedures for the treatment of IIH including EVS, Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration (ONSF), and CSF Shunting, with a focus on novel endovascular procedures. Moreover, we explored rates of 90-day readmission and length of hospital stay following different procedures, besides the effects of sociodemographic and clinical parameters on procedure choice. 36,437 IIH patients were identified from records between 2010 and 2018. Those in the EVS group were 29 years old on average, and 93.4 % were female. Large academic hospital setting was independently associated with higher EVS utilization, while other factors were not predictive of procedure choice. The proportion of EVS use in IIH hospitalizations increased significantly from 2010 to 2018 (P < 0.001), while there was a relative decline in the frequency of shunting procedures (P = 0.001), with ONSF utilization remaining stable (P = 0.39). The rate of 90-day readmission and length of hospital stay were considerably lower following EVS compared to other procedures (P s < 0.001). This study presents novel population-level data on national trends in the frequency and outcome of EVS for IIH therapy. EVS was associated with shorter length of hospital stays and fewer readmission rates. In addition, a continuous increase in venous stenting compared to other procedures suggests an increasing role for endovascular therapies in IIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optic nerve sheath fenestration(ONSF), also known as optic nerve sheath decompression, was first proposed by Wecker. The procedure involves cutting incisions or windows in the retrabulbar optic nerve sheath to release the cerebral spinal fluid from the subarachnoid space of the optic nerve, reducing the pressure surrounding the optic nerve. With the development of surgical instruments and procedures, the safety of ONSF has been significantly improved with infrequent complications. Through the past three decades, more and more ophthalmologists realized that ONSF is an effective surgical treatment to stabilize or improve visual loss in idiopathic intracranial hypertension(IIH). Additionally, much progress in the use of ONSF has been made on secondary intracranial hypertension due to cerebral venous sinus occlusion, Cryptococcal meningitis, and intracranial mass or tumors. In this paper we review the application of ONSF in IIH, and secondary intracranial hypertension. From the review, it indicates ONSF is a good surgical alternative for ophthalmologists. It also indicates that ONSF can be used to prevent or halt progressive visual loss associated with intracranial hypertension, particularly when other treatment modalities fail to protect vision.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension denotes raised intracranial pressure in the absence of an identifiable cause and presents with symptoms relating to elevated ICP, namely headaches and visual deterioration. Treatment of IIH aims at reducing intracranial pressure, relieving headache and salvaging patients' vision. Surgical interventions are recommended for medically refractory IIH and include CSF diversion techniques, optic nerve sheath fenestration, bariatric surgery and venous sinus stenting. Prospective studies on the surgical options for IIH are scant and no evidence-based guidelines for the surgical management of medically refractory IIH have been established. A search in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE from 1 January 1985 to 19 April 2019 for controlled or observational studies on the surgical treatment of IIH (defined in accordance with the modified Dandy or the modified Friedman criteria) in adults yielded 109 admissible studies. VSS improved papilledema, visual fields and headaches in 87.1%, 72.7% and 72.1% of the patients respectively, with a 2.3% severe complication rate and 11.3% failure rate. CSF diversion techniques diminished papilledema, visual field deterioration and headaches in 78.9%, 66.8% and 69.8% of the cases and are associated with a 9.4 severe complication rate and a 43.4% failure rate. ONSF ameliorated papilledema, visual field defects and headaches in 90.5, 65.2% and 49.3% of patients. Severe complication rate was 2.2% and failure rate was 9.4%. This is currently the largest systematic review for the available operative modalities for IIH. VSS provided the best results in headache resolution and visual outcomes, with low failure rates and a very favourable complication profile. In light of this, VSS ought to be regarded as the first-line surgical modality for the treatment of medically refractory IIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective patient report describes a unique case of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis arising from hormonal contraceptive use, and the management of said thrombosis and its secondary ophthalmic manifestations. The patient initially presented with significant visual decline, headaches, florid disc oedema, and vessel tortuosity, due to extensive sinus thromboses that were causing increased intracranial pressure. It was determined that the root cause of the thrombosis was the use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate, leading to a hypercoagulable state. Optic nerve sheath fenestration was performed for this patient as an early intervention. The patient, though ultimately experiencing some vision loss, was able to recover and retain limited unilateral central vision, despite a protracted hospital course. We hope to propose that optic nerve sheath fenestration, in conjunction with anti-coagulation therapy, may be a consideration for patients with similar presentations on an individualised basis, in order to prevent vision loss from cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Though studies are limited, we believe early intervention may be what allowed our patient to retain some central vision, and suggest more studies be done into the utility of this procedure for patients with this clinical vignette. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the use of peripapillary microperimetry in the diagnosis and follow-up of medically and surgically treated cases of papilledema due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This study was a prospective non-comparative observational case series of patients with IIH. All patients underwent full ophthalmological examination, radiological imaging, and lumbar puncture, as well as microperimetric measurements around the optic nerve head. Patients were classified into a medical group, treated by weight reduction and acetazolamide, and a surgical group, treated by optic nerve sheath fenestration. Peripapillary microperimetric examinations were done at presentation and after one-month of treatment. Findings were compared to values obtained from an age-matched healthy control group. The study included 78 eyes of 39 patients diagnosed with IIH and 32 eyes of 16 healthy control subjects. The average of the sum of the 12 peripapillary microperimetric thresholds for both eyes of IIH cases before treatment was 53.4±59.9 dB, while for controls it was 171±14.0 dB (p<0.001). After 1 month of treatment, it improved to 86.7±56.1 dB (p<0.001) in IIH cases. Analyzed separately, the medical group improved from 68.9±43.4 dB to 105.2±76.5 dB (p<0.001), while the surgical group improved from 13.5±21.9 dB to 54.9±35.5 dB (p<0.001). Several potential roles for peripapillary microperimetry use in IIH management were identified including confirming papilledema diagnosis, follow up of treatment, and selection of cases for surgery. Microperimetry can accurately and quantitatively monitor changes in peripapillary retinal sensitivity in patients undergoing treatment for papilledema due to IIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 < 0.05), PMD (p < 0.05), papilledema grade (p < 0.01), and maxOHNE (p < 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 < 0.01), and an increasing opening pressure initiates a greater ganglion cell loss (r = −0.79, p < 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.

Introduction: Diagnosis and appropriate management of patients with the pseudotumor cerebri syndrome are imperative to prevent or minimize permanent visual loss and headache-related disability. Areas covered: Steps in management, including making the correct diagnosis, techniques to assess the patient's visual status, medical treatment of intracranial hypertension and the associated headaches, weight management strategies, surgical treatments and stenting are reviewed incorporating the most recent medical evidence. Expert opinion: As the pathogenesis of the pseudotumor cerebri syndrome is still unknown, many of the currently employed management strategies incorporate a 'plumbing approach' to decrease cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. The Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Trial (IIHTT) taught us that the disorder markedly affects visual and overall quality of life, and that reducing pressure alone is not enough to make patients well, even those considered to have 'mild' vision loss. Other than the IIHTT, the evidence supporting the use of various treatments is meager. The course of the disorder can be unpredictable, and the clinician(s) managing these patients are often uncertain about which treatments to employ. Moreover, the desired modalities and specialists are not universally available in all locations. An individualized and detailed approach to the various manifestations and nuances of the disorder is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parunyou Julayanont,1 Amputch Karukote,2 Doungporn Ruthirago,1 Deepa Panikkath,3 Ragesh Panikkath3 1Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; 2Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 3Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX, USA Abstract: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is an uncommon disorder characterized by increased intracranial pressure without radiological or laboratory evidence of intracranial pathology except empty sella turcica, optic nerve sheath with filled out cerebrospinal fluid spaces, and smooth-walled nonflow-related venous sinus stenosis or collapse. This condition typically affects obese women. The incidence of IIH is increasing with the rising prevalence of obesity. Persistent headache is the most common symptom. Visual impairment is a serious complication that may not be recognized by the patients. This paper reviews clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and current treatments of IIH in adults. Various imaging modalities have been studied on their validity for detection of IIH and papilledema. This review also includes new studies on medical, surgical, and interventional management of this condition. Acetazolamide and topiramate are the only two medications that have been studied in randomized controlled trials about their efficacy in treatment of IIH. In patients who have severe visual impairment or progressive visual deterioration despite medical management, surgical or interventional treatment may be considered. The efficacy and complications of cerebrospinal fluid diversion, optic nerve sheath fenestration, and endovascular venous stenting reported in the last 3 decades have been summarized in this review. Finally, the prospective aspects of biomarkers and treatments are proposed for future research. Keywords: acetazolamide, cerebrospinal fluid shunts, endovascular stenting, optic nerve sheath fenestration, pseudotumor cerebri

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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 60-year-old woman with a history of chronic alcoholism and tobacco use presented with the complaint of a painless decrease in vision in both eyes. She lost vision first in the left eye then in the right eye. She admitted consuming at least one 16 ounce bottle of over the counter mouthwash daily and denied consumption of any other alcohols, methanol, or antifreeze. She stated that her vision had been continuing to deteriorate in both eyes. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 4/200 in each eye. Color vision was nil in each eye. Her pupils were sluggish bilaterally, and her optic discs were flat and hyperemic with peripapillary hemorrhages. Her visual fields revealed central scotomas bilaterally. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and lumbar puncture were within normal limits. Antinuclear antibody, human leukocyte antigen-B27 genotyping, and B12 were normal; serum thiamine was low. While continuing to ingest mouthwash, her vision decreased to count fingers at 2 feet, and maculopapillary bundle pallor developed. She was started on folate and thiamine supplementation. Once she discontinued mouthwash, her vision improved to 20/400 bilaterally, and her central scotomas improved. This case demonstrates an alcohol-induced toxic optic neuropathy from mouthwash ingestion with some visual recovery after discontinuation of the offending agent.

Visual impairment can complicate cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Here, we describe the various pathophysiological mechanisms and treatments available. A retrospective chart review of all patients treated for CVT in a large quaternary teaching hospital was done, and cases with visual impairment due to CVT were identified. The various mechanisms causing visual impairment in CVT were (1) raised intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by venous thrombosis without venous infarcts resulting in a benign intracranial hypertension‑like presentation of CVT, (2) venous infarcts involving the occipital cortex, (3) raised ICP following the development of a secondary dural arteriovenous (AV) fistula, and (4) arterial occipital infarcts due to posterior cerebral artery compression secondary to herniation in large venous infarcts. Apart from using systemic anticoagulants to attempt recanalization and drugs with carbonic anhydrase inhibitor activity to reduce the ICPs, treatment modalities employed to save vision were (1) recanalization by local thrombolysis, stenting, or mechanical devices; (2) cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures such as theco‑periotoneal shunting; (3) optic nerve sheath fenestration; and (4) specific treatment for conditions such as dural AV fistula occurring as a late complication. CVT can cause visual impairment through different pathophysiological mechanisms. Depending on the mechanism, treatment strategies need to be tailored. Furthermore, very close monitoring is needed both in the acute and in the follow‑up period, as new pathophysiological mechanisms can arise, compromising the vision. This may require a different treatment approach. Literature on this aspect of CVT is lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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<0.001). There was significant negative correlation (r= -0.434, p=.017) between duration of symptoms before presentation and improvement in BCVA. Common complications were a tonic pupil, subconjunctival haemorrhage, chemosis, weakness of recti and diplopia. Conclusion: ONSF is an effective procedure with statistically significant improvement in BCVA and reduction in severity of papilledema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an increase in the incidence of traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) due to increasing urbanization and rapid spurt in the number of motor vehicles on the road. Despite early presentation and ease of diagnosis the visual outcomes in TON are still limited. There is also significant confusion about the timing, dose and efficacy of steroid treatment in its management. Purpose: To provide a clinical update of the pros and cons of steroid therapy for TON. Design: The paper is a retrospective review of the currently available literature in the English language indexed in PubMed. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted by the authors using the following terms: Traumatic optic neuropathy, megadose, steroids, methylprednisolone. Relevant original articles, review articles, and case reports related to the topic of discussion were evaluated and discussed in the paper. Results: There is no prospective randomized control trial evaluating the effect of steroids in TON. There are varying reports on the effect of steroid therapy from significant improvement to no difference compared to observation. Conclusion: The decision to give steroids to patients with TON has to be on an individual case to case basis and must involve informed consent from the patient. There are documented advantages and disadvantages of steroid therapy and a prospective, randomized, controlled trial is necessary comparing steroids, surgery and observation before definitive management can be evolved.

This article determines the safety of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) for the treatment of patients with intracranial hypertension in the immediate 6-month post-operative period and its efficacy in reducing optic disk edema. Retrospective, non-comparative interventional case series. 207 eyes in 104 patients undergoing ONSF between the years 2005 and 2014. Papilledema grade based on modified Frisen scale and mean deviation of Humphrey visual field. 207 eyes of 104 patients (102 IIH, 2 IH due to dural sinus thrombosis) were included in the study. The patients were 96.1% female (N = 100) and 3.9% male (N = 4). The average patient age was 28.8 years (SD ± 9.5 years) and had a mean opening pressure of 39.85 cmH2O (SD ± 8.4 cmH2O). Mean follow-up period was 6.0 months (SD ± 5.9 months). Papilledema resolved in 76.1% of eyes at 1 week (N = 102 eyes), 75% of eyes at 1 month (N = 90 eyes), and 71% of eyes at 6 months (N = 94 eyes). Visual field comparison had a mean of the paired differences in MD at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months of 1.59dB (P = 0.006), 2.53dB (P < 0.001), and 1.30dB (P = 0.016), respectively. ONSF is effective in reducing optic disk edema and does not cause vision loss in the 6-month post-operative period regardless of severity of IIH (as judged by elevation of opening pressure measured at pre-operative assessment). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is a surgical procedure commonly performed in the Anglo-Saxon countries for the treatment of medically refractory idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). We chose to compare 6 different trans-orbital surgical approaches to ONSF. We also desired to determine the number of optic nerve decompression procedures performed in France in 2019 and 2020., Methods: Four fresh frozen orbits were dissected at the University of Nice anatomy laboratory. We performed the following surgical approaches: (i) eyelid crease, (ii) lid-split, (iii) medial transconjunctival with medial rectus disinsertion, (iv) medial transconjunctival without rectus disinsertion, (v) lateral transconjunctival and (vi) lateral orbitotomy. For each surgical approach, we measured the distance between the incision and the optic nerve dura mater. We also extracted data from the French National PMSI (Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d' Information) database from January 2019 through December 2020 to determine the annual number of optic nerve decompression procedures., Results: The lid crease and medial transconjunctival approaches provided the shortest distance to the optic nerve (average 21mm and 24mm, respectively) and the lowest levels of difficulty compared to the other surgical routes. A total of 23 and 45 optic nerve decompressions were performed in France in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Among them, only 2 and 7 procedures, respectively, were performed through a trans-orbital approach., Conclusion: Upper lid crease incision and medial transconjunctival approaches are the most direct and easiest surgical routes when performing an ONSF. We found that ONSF was rarely performed in France. We strongly recommend close cooperation between ophthalmologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons and interventional radiologists., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)