Ultrasonography of the Optic Nerve

Abstract

In the last ten years the following authors have written about ultrasonography of the optic nerve. Oksala’s experimental results (1972) lead to the conclusion that the optic nerve could not be examined exactly by A-scan. Coleman (1972) & co-workers presented information about patterns in optic nerve lesions seen by B-scan. Ossoinig (at least in 1973) stated that the optic nerve could be determined exactly. Skalka (1976) — using Ossoinig’s method — published the results of his measurement of the ‘perineural space’ of the optic nerve. Cohen & co-workers (1976) examined the cupping of the optic disc, and Fisher (1976) discovered, that drusen of the optic disc produce a characteristic spot of hyperreflectivity in contact B-scan. Mrs. Restori’s C-scan (1977) enabled her to examine cross sections of the optic nerve. Our own technique of examination is deduced from Ossoinig’s, but our experiences (7 years) seem to be different in some points. The results obtained in various optic nerve lesions will be presented in the following paper to evaluate their diagnostic help.