May 18, 2003
Ischemic optic neuropathy as the first manifestation of elevated cholesterol levels in young patients
Ophthalmology May 2003
Thirty-seven cases (51 eyes) and 74 age- and gender-matched control subjects were identified for this case control study.
The mean total cholesterol level was significantly increased in patients with NAION compared with controls (235.4 vs. 204.0 mg/dl, P < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus was more common in cases than controls (P = 0.027), but systemic hypertension was not significantly different (P = 0.63).
Conclusion:Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for NAION in patients aged 50 years or younger and may be the first manifestation of elevated serum lipids. Cholesterol-associated ischemic optic neuropathy is otherwise indistinguishable from idiopathic NAION and should be suspected in relatively young patients with optic disc edema or optic nerve pallor, especially those who do not have other vasculopathic risk factors and do not have clinical or neuroradiologic evidence of demyelinating optic neuropathy or a compressive lesion. Recognition of this syndrome may lead to earlier detection and treatment of serum lipid abnormalities, especially in young patients.
Posted by afarahi at May 18, 2003 12:35 AM