REVIEW ARTICLE  
Neuroimaging in Neuro-Ophthalmology  
(Systematic Review)  
Tayyaba Gul Malik1, Khalid Farooq2  
1Department of Ophthalmology, Rashid Latif Medical College/Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital, Lahore  
2Department of Radiology, Lahore Medical and Dental College/Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore  
ABSTRACT  
There are quite a number of neurological diseases, which initially present to the ophthalmologists. Based on the  
proper history and clinical findings ophthalmologists have to suggest the ancillary neuro-imaging to support their  
provisional diagnosis and reach the site of lesion. Unless the ophthalmologists are aware of the right imaging at  
right time and at right area to focus, there are many pitfalls. MRI and CT of the brain and orbit are important  
investigations in neuro-ophthalmology which if intelligently ordered can add to the diagnostic and management  
process. In general, MRI is the most commonly ordered investigation in neuro-ophthalmology with so many  
additional sequences as FLAIR, GRE, diffusion weighted imaging, spectroscopy, in addition to T1 and T2  
weighted imaging. Having said that CT scan has its advantages in cases of bony pathologies and acute brain  
hemorrhages. This article reviews the indications and importance of different neuro-imaging techniques, based on  
the previous studies from 1997 to 2019.  
Key Words: Neuro-ophthalmology, Magnetic Resonance imaging, Optic neuritis, Papilledema, Visual Pathway,  
Optic tract, Optic nerve, Meningioma, Glioma.  
How to Cite this Article: Malik TG, Farooq K. Neuroimaging in Neuro-Ophthalmology (Systematic Review). Pak  
J Ophthalmol. 2020, 36 (2): 180-189.  
Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v36i2.1026  
area of interest in neuro-imaging is also a mandatory  
part of neuro-imaging, failing which can lead to  
INTRODUCTION  
Neuro-imaging is an important part of neuro-  
pitfalls in diagnosis. At times, the definite clinical  
ophthalmology but it cannot replace a thorough  
findings are not supported by neuro-imaging, in which  
clinical examination. Rather ordering a relevant neuro-  
case it is important to have a detailed discussion of the  
imaging test depends upon a detailed history and  
case with the radiologist. Sometimes very thin slices of  
thorough evaluation in the clinics. Suggesting a right  
a particular area of interest are required and which are  
investigation at a right time can save time as well as  
missed in general thick slice scans. At other times,  
money. It is very important for the ophthalmologists to  
some additional investigation is needed to prove a  
have sufficient knowledge about which investigation is  
required in a particular case, when to use contrast,  
definite clinical diagnosis.  
The purpose of this review article was to find out  
which neuro-imaging tests are commonly used in  
neuro-ophthalmology and what were the presenting  
complaints of the patients for which these  
investigations were suggested. Keeping in view the  
published data an exercise is done to make clear when  
to order which of the neuro-imaging test to save time  
and money by avoiding wrong investigation or right  
investigation in wrong time and area.  
which views (coronal, axial, sagittal) are important in  
which case and which sequence is necessary. Keeping  
a radiologist fully informed about the positive clinical  
findings and the provisional diagnosis along with the  
Correspondence to: Professor Tayyaba Gul Malik  
Department of Ophthalmology, Rashid Latif Medical  
College/Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital, Lahore  
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2020, Vol. 36 (2): 180-189  
180  
Tayyaba Gul Malik, et al  
Neuro-imaging was done for complaints of  
diplopia, decreased vision, visual field defects, swollen  
optic discs, headache, pulsatile tinnitis, nausea,  
vomiting associated with headache, ocular motor nerve  
palsies, Horner syndrome, nystagmus, presumed  
cortical blindness, supranuclear gaze palsy, ptosis and  
as part of investigation in cases of neurofibromatosis.  
The final diagnoses included idiopathic intracranial  
hypertension, meningioma, glioma of visual pathway,  
multiple sclerosis, trochlear headache, Pituitary  
adenoma, Craniopharyngioma, ischemic strokes,  
hemorrhages, aneurysms, herpes simplex encephalitis,  
Stenosis of dural sinuses and cerebral venous sinus  
thrombosis. Diagnoses of case reports and series  
included; Hair dresser syndrome, Pseudotumor  
Cerebri, Horner Syndrome, Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome,  
Sixth Nerve Palsy, Migraine, Amyloidosis,  
Encephalopathy Syndrome, Orbital Apex Syndrome,  
Behr Syndrome, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, 4th Nerve  
Palsy, Pituitary Apoplexy, Eight and a half syndrome,  
Cholesterol Granuloma of the Sphenoidal sinus,  
Craniopharyngioma and Alzheimers Disease. Other  
neuro-imaging results included Arnold Chiari  
MATERIAL AND METHODS  
PRISMA guidelines were followed for this systematic  
review. A literature search was conducted on the 11th  
November 2019. NCBI Pubmed database was used  
with search terms neuroimagingand neuro-  
ophthalmology(1997 to 2019). One hundred and  
eighteen results were found. Articles with un-  
accessible full articles, duplicates and irrelevant  
articles were excluded. We were left with 70 items.  
This produced a list of 19 review articles, 19 original  
articles and 29 case reports or case series. Review  
articles were not included in this review. Studies,  
which did not use neuro-imaging in diagnosis of  
neuro-ophthalmology cases, were excluded from our  
study. We also excluded articles, which were  
published only as abstracts or were presented only in  
conferences without publication. One of the study was  
also removed because it did not mention the type of  
imaging used in the study. The flow chart for data  
retrieval is shown below.  
Medline search was done on 11th November 2019  
with words „Neuro-Imaging‟ and „Neuro-  
Ophthalmology‟ (data between 1997 to 2019).  
Malformation,  
Carotico-Cavernous  
Fistula,  
Vertebrobasilar ischemia, cerebral edema, non-  
Hodgkin's Lymphoma, ectopic posterior pituitary  
gland, Rathke's cleft cyst, carcinomatous meningitis  
secondary  
to  
metastatic  
breast  
cancer,  
neurosarcoidosis and Carotid artery dissection.  
118 articles found.  
MRI scan was the most commonly ordered  
investigation followed by CT scan. Other ancillary  
sequences were done when initial MRI and CT were  
normal. The investigations, which were done in  
decreasing order of frequency, were as follows:  
Articles with un-accessible full articles, duplicates  
and irrelevant articles were excluded.  
1. MRI.  
After excluding review articles, we were left with  
19 original articles and 29 case reports/ case series.  
2. CT.  
3. MRV.  
4. CT Angiography.  
5. MRA.  
RESULTS  
In 19 original articles, total number of patients were  
1350 (858 females and 492 males), with age ranging  
from 1 year to 81 years. There were 14 retrospective  
studies, 2 case control studies, 2 cross sectional studies  
and 1 interventional study. There were 29 case  
reports/case series, which included 72 patients (45  
females and 27 males) with age ranging from 3 months  
to 89 years.  
6. FLAIR.  
7. PET.  
8. DTI and Diffusion Tensor Tractography.  
9. Arteriography.  
181  
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2020, Vol. 36 (2): 180-189  
Neuroimaging in Neuro-Ophthalmology (Systematic Review)  
Table 1: Details of original articles (neuro-imaging in neuro-ophthalmology from 1997 to 2019).  
Sample Provisional  
Author  
Study Design  
Neuroimaging  
Findings  
Size  
Diagnosis  
IIH (Idiopathic  
intracranial  
hypertension)  
Ocular motor nerve  
palsies  
Empty sella, globe flattening,  
prominent perioptic cerebrospinal  
fluid, venous sinus stenosis  
Gondi KT,  
Case control study  
53  
MRI, CT, MRV  
et al,13 2019  
Park KA,  
Retrospective  
Retrospective  
Retrospective  
127  
35  
MRI  
MRI  
MRI  
Inflammatory lesions and neoplasms  
et al,14 2019  
Koytak PK,  
et al,15 2018  
Bursztyn LLCD,  
et al,16 2018  
Optic nerve sheath  
meningioma  
Diagnosis of Optic nerve sheath  
meningioma was confirmed  
92  
Optic Neuritis  
83.7% positive results for on MRI  
Isolated optic nerve enhancement,  
demyelinating foci in frontal lobe and  
parieto-occipital lobe  
Ischemic strokes, tumors,  
hemorrhages, vascular malformation,  
demyelination, encephalitis  
Khadse R  
Retrospective  
Retrospective  
40  
24  
Optic Neuritis  
MRI  
et al,17 2017  
Kowal  
Optic tract lesions  
MRI, FLAIR  
et al,18 2017  
Aguilar-Pérez M  
et al,19 2017  
Chang RO,  
et al,20 2016  
Ming Ge,  
Retrospective  
Retrospective  
interventional  
Retrospective  
51  
12  
11  
25  
IIH  
IIH  
MRI, MRV  
MRI  
Empty sella, Stenotic dural sinuses  
Empty sella  
Optic pathway  
gliomas  
Trochlear  
headaches  
Diffusion Tensor  
Tractography  
Diagnosis of Optic nerve Gioma was  
confirmed  
et al,21 2015  
J. H. Smith,  
et al,22 2014  
MRI and CT  
MRI, FLAIR, DTI  
MRI /DTI  
Normal imaging  
Integrity of the optic radiations (FA)  
was significantly impaired in patients  
with MS. Atrophy of the visual  
cortex, grey and white matter.  
Optic nerve axons and myelin sheath  
integrity was disturbed  
Balk LJ,  
case control study  
Retrospective  
222  
MS  
et al,23 2014  
Kennedy de Blank  
PM, et al, 24 2013  
Optic pathway  
gliomas  
50  
Optic neuropathy  
and cranial nerve  
palsies.  
28.9% of neuroimaging tests  
requested by neuro-ophthalmologists  
resulted in an abnormal finding  
25 normal, others had empty sella  
and stenotic dural sinus  
CT, CTA, MRI,  
MRA, MRV  
Mehta et al,25 2012 Retrospective  
157  
S. Ambika,  
Retrospective  
et al,26 2010  
50  
308  
125  
91  
IIH  
IIH  
CT, MRI, MRV  
MRI, MRV  
MRI, CT  
MRI, CT  
CTA  
Agarwal P,  
35 patients had cerebral venous sinus  
thrombosis  
Retrospective  
et al,27 2010  
Wolfe S,  
Miscellaneous  
conditions  
Cross sectional  
et al,28 2008  
.18% Positive imaging  
Lee AG,  
Retrospective  
et al,29 2005  
Optic tract lesions  
93 normal, lesions found in 18 cases  
Mcfadzean R,  
Cross sectional  
et al,30 1998  
Isolated 3rd nerve  
palsy  
Parieto occipital  
lobe lesions  
72 were normal, aneurysm in 18 and  
10 had other abnormalities  
Parieto occipital lobe lesions  
confirmed  
100  
71  
Jacobson DM,31  
Retrospective  
1997  
MRI  
Table 2: Details of case reports/case series (neuro-imaging in neuro-ophthalmology; 1997 to2019).  
No. of  
Cases  
Authors  
Diagnosis  
Neuroimaging Findings  
Jonathan A,  
CT/CTA or  
MRI/MRA)  
3
3
1
1
Hair dresser syndrome  
IIH  
Vertebrobasilar ischemia  
et al,32 2019  
Tommy L.H.  
et al,33 2018  
Karti DT,  
MRI, MRV  
Bilateral Dural Venous Sinus Stenosis  
CT, MRI  
(cervical)  
MRI/Cerebral  
Angiogram  
Horner syndrome  
TolosaHunt Syndrome  
Multiple spinal root cysts between C7 and T1 segments  
et al,4 2018  
Ravindran K,  
et al,35 2017  
Inflammatory stranding of the right orbital apex and  
extension into the lateral wall of the right cavernous sinus  
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2020, Vol. 36 (2): 180-189  
182  
Tayyaba Gul Malik, et al  
No. of  
Cases  
Authors  
Diagnosis  
Neuroimaging Findings  
Brandon J,  
et al,36 2017  
Nadha A,  
1
Sixth Nerve Palsy  
Migraine  
MRI and MRA Normal  
1
1
MRI, CT  
Normal  
et al,37 2017  
Multifocal patchy and confluent vasogenic edema in the  
cerebral hemispheres, hemosiderin deposition from  
microhemorrhages  
Oana M,  
CTA/MRA/  
MRI  
Amyloidosis  
et al,38 2017  
Hyperintense signal change at periventricular, parieto-  
occipital, cerebellar, and brainstem areas visualised in  
FLAIR  
Chou MC,  
Encephalopathy  
Syndrome  
MRI/MRA/CT/  
FLAIR  
1
et al,39 2017  
Carlen A,  
Retrro-orbital mass. Excision biopsy showed non-  
Hodgkin's lymphoma  
1
1
1
Orbital Apex syndrome  
Sixth Nerve Palsy  
CT  
et al,40 2017  
Hidehiro Oku,  
et al,41 2016  
Raoof N,  
MRI and MRA Aneurysm of intracavernous carotid artery  
Sixth Nerve Palsy  
MRI and CT  
MRI  
Skull base Endochondroma  
et al,42 2015  
Bilateral hypointense signals in the globus pallidus, the  
putamen, and the substantia nigra as well as a cerebellar  
atrophy  
Kleffner I,  
2
1
Behr syndrome  
et al,43 2015  
MRI/MRI  
tractography/  
(fMRI),  
Vaphiades MS,  
et al,44 2015  
Progressive Supranuclear  
Palsy-Like Syndrome  
normal  
Koukkoulli A,  
et al,45 2015  
Cheng HC,  
et al,46 2015  
Madgula,  
Ophthalmoplegia with  
lid SCC  
1
5
1
1
1
MRI  
MRI  
MRI  
Perineural Spread of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma  
Ectopic posterior pituitary gland, agenesis of septum  
pellucidum, Rathke's cleft cyst  
Optic nerve hypoplasia  
4th nerve palsy  
Metastatic breast cancer  
et al,47 2014  
Berkenstock M, et  
al,48 2014  
Pituitary Apoplexy  
Third nerve palsy  
MRI and MRA Pituitary adenoma with haemorrhage  
Bansal S,  
MRI  
MRI  
Neurosarcoidosis  
et al,49 2014  
8 ½ Syndrome with  
Hemiparesis and  
Hemihypesthesia:  
The Nine Syndrome?  
Cholesterol Granuloma  
of the sphenoidal Sinus  
Ischemia of right pons involving the abducens nucleus,  
adjacent medial longitudinal fasciculus(MLF), and facial  
colliculus, extending to the ipsilateral mediallemniscus and  
corticospinal tract  
A homogenous T1 and T2 hyperintense lesion causing  
expansion of sphenoidal sinus  
Rosini F,  
1
et al,50 2013  
Pehere N,  
1
1
MRI  
et al,51 2011  
Reyes KB,  
Suprasellar cystic lesion compressing the chiasm,  
flattening the pituitary gland  
Craniopharyngioma  
4th nerve palsy  
MRI  
et al,52 2011  
Raghavendra S, et  
al,53 2010  
1
MRI  
Mid brain hemorrhage  
Sánchez VM,  
et al,54 2006  
Andrew GL,  
et al,55 2004  
Freedman KA,  
et al,56 2004  
Madhura A.  
et al,57 2004  
Parsa CF,  
1
Alzheimer's Disease  
Alzheimer's Disease  
PET scan  
MRI AND PET  
MRI  
Parietal-occipital bilateral hypo-metabolism  
Hypoperfusion in the parieto-occipital areas.MRI showed  
pariet-occipital atrophy  
8
Nonketotic  
Hyperglycemic patient  
1
Normal  
Internal carotid artery aneurysm and arteriovenous fistula  
arising  
2
third nerve palsy  
MRI and MRA  
CT and MRI  
MRI  
13  
8
Optic nerve gliomas  
Acute optic neuropathy  
Gliomas of optic nerve and chiasma  
et al,58 2001  
Andrew GL,  
et al,59 2000  
3 sarcoidosis, 4 meningioma, metastasis  
Carotid artery dissection, pituitary tumour, ischemic  
occipital lobe injury, Arnold Chiari Malformation, CCF,  
Carotid stenosis, MS, optic nerve sheath meningioma  
Mark L,  
MRI, CT,  
Arteriography  
9
Miscellaneous  
et al,60 1998  
183  
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2020, Vol. 36 (2): 180-189  
Neuroimaging in Neuro-Ophthalmology (Systematic Review)  
Fig. 1: Axial T2 images; 1) Eyeball, 2) Lateral Rectus, 3) Medial  
Rectus 4) Optic Nerve.  
Fig. 5: Gadolinium contrast with fat suppression showing  
enhancement of optic nerve sheath.  
Fig. 2: Coronal T1 images through orbit; 1) Optic nerve 2) Medial  
Rectus 3) Superior Rectus 4) Lateral Rectus 5) Inferior  
Rectus 6) Optic chiasm.  
Fig. 6: Axial Flair images; 1) Eyeball, 2) Optic nerve, 3) Medial  
Fig. 3: Coronal T2 images; 1) Eyeball, 2) Optic nerve, 3) Medial  
Rectus, 4) Inferior Rectus, 5) Lateral Rectus, 6) Superior  
Rectus 7) Superior Oblique 8) Optic chiasm.  
Rectus 4) Lateral Rectus, 5) Optic Chiasma.  
DISCUSSION  
In this systematic review only NCBI Pubmed database  
was used with search terms neuroimaging AND neuro-  
ophthalmology (1997 to 2019). The details of the  
studies and case reports are depicted in table 1 and 2.  
When we searched Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology  
website from 2006 to 2019, only 14 articles were  
found related to neuro-ophthalmology. After excluding  
the articles, which did not include neuro-imaging, we  
were left with 5 case reports and 5 original articles.  
Case reports included CSF rhinorrhea1, Ewing  
Sarcoma2, Optic disc drusen3, traumatic optic  
neuropathy4 and tuberous sclerosis5. Original articles  
Fig. 4: Sagittal T1 images; 1) Eyeball, 2) Superior Rectus, 3) Optic  
Nerve, 4) Inferior Rectus.  
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2020, Vol. 36 (2): 180-189  
184  
Tayyaba Gul Malik, et al  
included headache6, head trauma7, meningiomas of  
visual pathway8, Retinoblastoma9 and systemic  
associations of optic nerve diseases10.  
edema.  
Fat-suppression techniques are used in various  
conditions including orbital pathologies. Orbital fat on  
conventional T1-weighted imaging makes it difficult  
to differentiate from other normal tissues (optic nerve  
and Extraocular muscles), tumors, inflammatory  
lesions and vascular malformations. There are two  
types of fat-suppression sequence used in neuro-  
ophthalmology.  
In the following paragraphs, the commonly used  
neuro-imaging techniques and important sequences are  
discussed based on the articles reviewed through  
Pubmed search.  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)  
1. T1 weighted images with gadolinium contrast and  
fat suppression allows the optic nerve sheath  
lesions to be enhanced12.  
The basic mechanism of MRI is the rearrangement of  
charged hydrogen ions after exposure of a tissue to a  
short electromagnetic pulse. Relaxation times of the  
tissues depend upon their characteristics and a tissue  
may be T1 weighted or T2 weighted. The magnetic  
field in MRI is expressed in Tesla (T). The commonly  
used field is 1.5T to 3.0T11.  
2. STIR (short T1 inversion recovery) is used  
without contrast and is quite optimal sequence for  
diagnosing intrinsic lesions of the intraorbital optic  
nerve (e.g. optic neuritis).  
In T1 weighted images, CSF and vitreous appear  
dark and it is good for studying normal anatomy. In T2  
weighted images, water appears hyperintense. Hence,  
the edematous tissues will be differentiated from the  
surrounding tissues as hyperintense. Optic nerve  
gliomas can be seen as tubular or fusiform  
enlargement of the nerve, which appear isointense to  
hypointense when compared with the adjacent tissues  
on T1-weighted MRI and enhance after gadolinium  
injection12. Optic nerve meningiomas appear separate  
from the optic nerve on coronal views. It is visible in  
the form of a concentric ring around the nerve.  
Inflammation of the Optic nerve sheath is better  
detected by gadolinium-enhanced fat-saturated T1-  
weighted MRI, in which they appear as  
circumferential optic nerve sheath enhancement and  
on axial views these are seen as tram-track sign  
(Figure 5). Fat suppression techniques are also useful  
in confirming the fat-containing lesions, such as  
Dermoid cysts and lipomas. Thus for optic nerve  
sheath and optic nerve lesions, fat suppression is a  
gold standard.  
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging  
In  
patients  
with  
Idiopathic  
Intracranial  
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a special MRI  
technique that is based on the microscopic random  
Brownian motion of water. It is useful in detecting  
acute ischemic strokes. This technique is useful in very  
early stage of ischemic stroke when the changes are  
undetectable on T1 and T2 weighted MRI12. As  
different stages of infarction can also be identified by  
DWI, this technique is helpful in distinguishing  
vasogenic reversible ischemia from irreversible  
ischemia in patients with cortical blindness and  
brainstem ischemia.  
Hypertension (IIH), T1-weighted images of the brain  
may show an empty sella turcica while axial T2-  
weighted MRI images of the orbit show distension and  
tortuosity of the optic nerve sheaths. Flattening of the  
posterior globe is also an MRI sign of IIH12. Afferent  
and efferent visual pathways are also best detected by  
MRI studies (Figures 1, 2, 3, 4).  
However, in the presence of acute hemorrhage and  
bony abnormalities, CT is a better option.  
Gadolinium contrast studies is a special contrast  
medium, which shows up when placed in a magnetic  
field. When given through intravenous route, it  
remains inside the vessels unless there is a defect in  
the blood brain barrier. It is used with T1 weighted  
images. It helps in enhancing the brightness of tumour  
images and inflammatory lesions. Sellar masses are  
also best visualized with contrast enhanced T1  
weighted images. PostcontrastT1-weighted images can  
be helpful in diagnosing Giant cell arteritis12, in which  
case there is increased vessel wall thickness and  
(FLAIR) Sequence  
As CSF is bright onT2-weighted images, it becomes  
difficult to differentiate periventricular lesions from  
CSF signal. In fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, a  
T2-weighted image of CSF signal is suppressed to  
allow better detection of adjacent pathology. FLAIR  
sequences also help to highlight inflammatory  
changes12 (Figure 6).  
185  
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2020, Vol. 36 (2): 180-189  
Neuroimaging in Neuro-Ophthalmology (Systematic Review)  
Gradient Recalled Echo (GRE) or susceptibility-  
weighted imaging (SWI) is helpful in diagnosing  
micro hemorrhages (within the first few hours)  
(Figure 2).  
acute hemorrhage, bony injury and in case of foreign  
bodies, can mask the visibility.  
Optic nerve head drusen and tumours that show  
calcification e.g., Craniopharyngiomas, Meningiomas  
and Retinoblastomas can be detected with CT scan.  
Especially in cases of optic nerve sheath meningioma,  
CT shows perineural calcification in the form of  
“tram-tracking”. Hyperostosis of the neighboring  
bones is also a diagnostic sign12.  
FIESTA and CISS (fast imaging employing  
steady-state acquisition and constructive interference  
in steady-state). The structures surrounded by CSF and  
isodense to CSF in T1 and T2 weighted images are  
better visualized by this technique. Orbital masses,  
which arise from the orbital nerves can be better  
detected with this technique.  
In cases of traumatic optic neuropathy, CT scan  
can help in detecting the optic canal fracture, edema  
(or blood) within the optic canal (or optic nerve  
sheath), intraconal hematoma, or foreign body/fracture  
fragments causing impingement on the optic nerve.  
Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV)  
and Magnetic Resonance Arteriography  
(MRA)  
Fludeoxy  
Glucose  
(FDG)PET: Positron  
MRA is a very good technique, which has reduced  
dependency on Conventional invasive angiography.  
MRA relies on blood flow within the vessels and  
hence contrast is not required. However, the  
thrombosed aneurysm and small aneurysms are  
missed. MRV is used to detect venous sinus  
thrombosis or venous stenosis11.  
emission tomography (PET) is a sequence, which is  
used in diagnosing inflammatory and/or neoplastic  
processes. Fluorodeoxy glucose (FDG) is a metabolic  
marker. Greater uptake of glucose by the inflammatory  
and neoplastic lesions can be helpful in diagnosis.  
Large vessel vasculitis in GCA and extraocular muscle  
inflammation in Graves disease is detected by this  
technique12.  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Diffusion  
Tensor Tractography  
DTI and DTT can be helpful in visualizing the axon  
and myelin integrity. Data from DTI is used to  
reconstruct a 3D images in DTT.  
Computed Tomographic Angiography and  
Venography (CTA, CTV): Extremely thin slices of  
brain are taken to investigate intracranial aneurysms.  
CTV is a good diagnostic technique for cerebral  
venous sinus thrombosis. Contrast is injected and the  
patient is exposed to radiations.  
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopyis capable of  
detecting brain metabolites and hence help in  
distinguishing between neoplasms, demyelinating  
lesions, radiation necrosis, inflammatory lesions and  
mitochondrial disorders that can affect the visual  
pathways.  
Conventional catheter angiography was once  
the only diagnostic test for intracranial aneurysm but  
now CTA and MRA have surpassed its use and it is  
only reserved for the patients in which the CTA and  
MRA are not diagnostic12.  
Limitations of MRI include bony defects and acute  
haemorrhages, which are not detected on MRI.  
Magnetic foreign bodies, cardiac pace markers,  
ferromagnetic aneurysm clips are contraindications for  
MRI. The test is also not suitable for claustrophobic  
patients.  
Limitation of this systematic review is the use of  
only one database (Pubmed). Other databases and gray  
literature/unpublished data were also not included.  
CONCLUSION  
Relevant history with detailed clinical examination  
along with the provisional diagnosis and the area of  
interest for neuro-imaging must be included in the  
investigation form. In case of any confusion, it is  
better to consult a radiologist, for the best interest of  
the patient, before filling the investigation form rather  
than writing a wrong investigation.  
Computed Tomography (CT) uses X-rays to  
obtain images, which are then computed to form cross-  
sectional images. White is the maximum density of the  
tissue as in bones and black is the minimum density as  
in air. Iodinated contrast is used to improve the  
visualization of structures but allergy to iodine and  
renal failure are contraindications. Use of contrast in  
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2020, Vol. 36 (2): 180-189  
186  
Tayyaba Gul Malik, et al  
Biousse V. Diagnostic Errors in Initial Misdiagnosis of  
Optic Nerve Sheath Meningiomas. JAMA Neurol.  
Doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2018.3989  
Authors’ Designation and Contribution  
Tayyaba Gul Malik; Professor: Study design, literature  
search, data acquisition, data analysis, manuscript  
writing, final review.  
16. Bursztyn LLCD, De Lott LB, Petrou M, Cornblath  
WT. Sensitivity of orbital magnetic resonance imaging  
in acute demyelinating optic neuritis. Can  
Ophthalmol. 2019: 54 (2): 242-246.  
Doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2018.05.013.  
J
Khalid Farooq; Professor: Study design, data  
acquisition, final review.  
17. Khadse R, Ravindran M, Pawar N, Maharajan P,  
Rengappa R. Clinical profile and neuroimaging in  
pediatric optic neuritis in Indian population: A case  
series. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2017; 65: 242-5.  
18. Kowal KM, Rodriguez FFR, Srinivasan A. Trobe  
JD. Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features  
in Unilateral Optic Tract Dysfunction. J Neuro-  
Ophthalmol. 2017; 37: 17-23.  
19. Aguilar-Perez M, Martinez-Moreno R, Kurre W,  
Wendl C, Bazner H, Ganslandt O, Unsold R,  
Henkes H. Endovascular treatment of idiopathic  
intracranial hypertension: retrospective analysis of  
immediate and long-term results in 51 patients.  
Neuroradiology, 2017 Mar; 59 (3): 277-287.  
REFERENCES  
1. Malik TG, Khalil M, Ain Q. Chronic Rhinorrhea. Pak  
J Ophthalmol. 2016; 32 (4): 238-240.  
2. Abbasi S, Cheema A. Ewing Sarcoma of Orbit with  
Intracranial Extension. Pak J Ophthalmol. 2015; 31 (2):  
111-114.  
3. Memon GM, Zafar S, Shakir M, Kamil Z, Bokhari  
SA. Bilateral Optic Disc Drusen in Hypermetropic  
Children of a Family. Pak J Ophthalmol 2012; 28 (3):  
163-165.  
4. Awan AH. Traumatic Optic Neuropathy. Pak J  
Ophthalmol. 2007; 23 (2): 100-102.  
5. Chaudary R, Riaz A. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.  
Pak J Ophthalmol. 2018; 34 (4): 295-297.  
Doi: 10.1007/s00234-017-1783-5.  
6. Malik TG, Farooq K, Ayesha E. Headache:  
Investigate or Not to Investigate? Pak J Ophthalmol.  
2017; 33 (1): 26-29.  
7. Abbasi KZ, Qadeer B, Raza A. Ocular Manifestations  
Associated with Head Injury. Pak J Ophthalmol. 2016;  
32 (2): 111-116.  
20. Chang RO, Marshall BK, Yahyavi N, Sharma A,  
Huecker J, Gordon MO, et al. Neuroimaging Features  
of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Persist After  
Resolution of Papilloedema. Neuro-Ophthalmology,  
2016; 40 (4): 165-170.  
DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2016.1179767.  
8. Malik TG, Farooq K, Khalil M. Clinical and Neuro-  
imaging Patterns of Meningiomas of Visual Pathway.  
Pak J Ophthalmol. 2015; 31 (2): 101-104.  
9. Farrukh S, Saghir F, Zubair M, Amin M. Optic  
Nerve Involvement in Retinoblastoma: Role of  
Computed Tomography with and without Contrast. Pak  
J Ophthalmol. 2009; 25 (4):  
21. Ge M, Li S, Wang L, Zhang J. The role of diffusion  
tensor tractography in the surgical treatment of  
pediatric optic chiasmatic gliomas. J Neurooncol. 2015;  
122 (2): 357-66. Doi: 10.1007/s11060-015-1722-4.  
22. Smitha JH, Garrityb JA, Boesc CJ. Clinical features  
and long-term prognosis of trochlear headaches. Eur J  
Neurol. 2014; 21: 577585.  
10. Rehman M, Aftab AM, Khan SA, Ahmad I. Optic  
Nerve Diseases and its Systemic Associations. Pak J  
Ophthalmol. 2017; 33 (3): 174-181.  
11. Hoch MJ, Bruno MT, Shepherd TM. Advanced MRI  
of the optic nerve. J Neuroophthalmol. 2017; 37 (2):  
187196.  
12. Costello F, Scott JN. Imaging in Neuro-  
ophthalmology. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2019; 25  
(5): 14381490.  
23. Balk LJ, Steenwijk MD, Tewarie P, Daams M,  
Killestein J, Watties MP, et al. Bidirectional trans-  
synaptic axonal degeneration in the visual pathway in  
multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry,  
2015; 86 (4): 419-24. Doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-308189.  
24. de Blank PMK, Berman JI, Liu GT, Roberts TPL,  
Fisher MJ. Fractional anisotropy of the optic radiations  
is associated with visual acuity loss in optic pathway  
gliomas of neurofibromatosis type 1. Neuro-Oncology,  
15 (8): 10881095, 2013.  
13. Gondi KT, Chen KS, Gratton SM. Asymptomatic  
Versus  
Symptomatic  
Idiopathic  
Intracranial  
25. Mehta S, Loevner LA, Mikityansky I, Langlotz C,  
Ying GS, Tamhankar MA, Shindler KS, Volpe NJ.  
The Diagnostic and Economic Yield of Neuroimaging  
in Neuro-ophthalmology. J Neuro-Ophthalmol. 2012;  
32: 139144. Doi: 10.1097/WNO.0b013e31824e3753.  
26. Ambika S, Arjundas D, Noronha V, Anshuman.  
Clinical profile, evaluation, management and visual  
outcome of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in a  
neuro-ophthalmology clinic of a tertiary referral  
ophthalmic center in India. Ann Indian Acad Neurol.  
Hypertension in Children. Journal of Child Neurology,  
20 (10): 1-6. DOI: 10.1177/0883073819858455.  
14. Park KA, Oh SY, Min JH, Kim BJ, Kim Y. Cause of  
acquired onset of diplopia due to isolated third, fourth,  
and sixth cranial nerve palsies in patients aged 20 to 50  
years in Korea: A high resolution magnetic resonance  
imaging study. Journal of the Neurological Sciences,  
2019; 407: 116546.  
15. Koytak PK, Bruce BB, Peragallo JH, Newman NJ,  
187  
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2020, Vol. 36 (2): 180-189  
Neuroimaging in Neuro-Ophthalmology (Systematic Review)  
2010; 13: 37-41. DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.61275.  
27. Agarwal P, Kumar M, Arora V. Clinical profile of  
cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and the role of  
imaging in its diagnosis in patients with presumed  
40. Yuen CA, Pula JH, Mehta M. Primary Ocular  
Adnexal Extranodal Marginal Zone Mucosa-Associated  
Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma Presenting as  
Orbital Apex Syndrome. Neuro-Ophthalmology, 2017;  
41. Oku H, Miyachi S, Ikeda T. One-Sided Headache Is a  
Symptom Suggesting Aneurysmal Lesion in Patients  
with Isolated Abducens Nerve Palsy. Neuro-  
Ophthalmology, 2017; 41 (1): 35-38.  
idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Indian  
J
Ophthalmol. 2010; 58: 153-155. DOI: 10.4103/0301-  
4738.60092.  
28. Wolfe S, Stavern GV. Characteristics of patients  
presenting with ocular pain. Can J Ophthalmol. 2008;  
43: 4324. Doi: 10.3129/i08-083.  
DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2016.1246573.  
29. Lee AG, Chau FY, Golnik KC, Kardon RH, Wall  
M. The Diagnostic Yield of the Evaluation for Isolated  
Unexplained Optic Atrophy. Ophthalmology, 2005; 112  
(5): 757759.  
42. Raoof N, Batty R, Carroll TA, Pepper IM, Sandison  
A, Eckersley R, Hickman SJ. Relapsing-Remitting  
Sixth Nerve Palsy in Association with Ollier‟s Disease.  
Neuro-Ophthalmology, 2015; 39 (2): 9295.  
30. Mcfadzean RM, Teasdale EM. Computerized  
tomography angiography in isolated third nerve palsies.  
J. Neurosurg. 1998; 88: 679684.  
43. Kleffner I, Wessling C, Gess B, Korsukewitz C,  
Allkemper T, Schirmacher A, et al. Behr syndrome  
with homozygous C19ORF12 mutation. J Neurol Sci.  
2015; 357 (1-2): 115-8. Doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.07.009.  
44. Vaphiades MS, Visscher K, Rucker JC, Vattoth S,  
Roberson GH. Functional Magnetic Resonance  
Imaging (MRI) and MRI Tractography in Progressive  
31. Jacobson DM. The Localizing Value of  
Quadrantanopia. Arch Neurol. 1997; 54: 401-404.  
a
32. Go JA, Othman B, Kini A, Beaver HA, Lee AG.  
Vertebrobasilar ischemia (VBI) related neuro-  
ophthalmic syndromes after routine activities involving  
hyperextension or rotation of the neck (hairdresser  
Supranuclear  
Palsy-Like  
Syndrome.  
Neuro-  
Ophthalmology, 2015; 39 (2): 6468.  
45. Koukkoulli A, Koutroumanos N, Kidd D. Perineural  
Spread of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma  
Manifesting  
Ophthalmology, 2015; 39 (3): 144-146.  
as  
Ophthalmoplegia.  
Neuro-  
33. Tommy LH, Chan TLH, Kim DD, Sharma M, Lee  
DH, Fraser JA. Valsalva-triggered pseudotumor  
cerebri syndrome. Case series and pathogenetic  
implications. Neurology, 2018; 91: e746-e750.  
46. Cheng HC, Yen MY, Wang AG. Neuroimaging and  
clinical features of patients with optic nerve hypoplasia  
in Taiwan. Taiwan J Ophthalmol. 2015 Jan-Mar; 5 (1):  
47. Madgula IM, Hemmerdinger CM, Clark P.  
Metastatic breast cancer presenting as sequential cranial  
nerve palsy: a case report. Journal of Medical Case  
Reports, 2014; 8: 430.  
48. Berkenstock M, Szeles A, Ackert J. Encephalopathy,  
Chiasmal Compression, Ophthalmoplegia and Diabetes  
Insipidus in Pituitary Apoplexy. Neuro-Ophthalmology,  
2014; 38 (5): 286289.  
49. Bansal S, Yin K, Vishwanath M, Doran H, Laitt R,  
Ansons A. Isolated Pupil-Involving Third Nerve Palsy  
as the First Presentation of Sarcoidosis. Neuro-  
Ophthalmology, 2014; 38 (5): 278280.  
Doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006048.  
34. Karti DT, Karti O, Celebisoy N. A rare cause of  
Horner‟s syndrome: cervicothoracic spinal root cysts.  
Neurol Sci. 2019; 40 (6): 1311-1314.  
Doi: 10.1007/s10072-019-03773-y.  
35. Ravindran K, Schmalz P, Torun N, Ronthal M,  
Chang YM, Thomas AJ. Angiographic Findings in the  
TolosaHunt Syndrome and Resolution after  
Corticosteroid Treatment. Neuro-Ophthalmology, 2018;  
42 (3): 59-163. DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2017.1365268.  
36. Baartman BJ, Adamopoulou C. Isolated Abducens  
Palsy Heralding Occult Human Immunodeficiency  
VirusRelated Lymphoma. Neuro-Ophthalmology,  
2017; 42 (1): 31-34.  
DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2017.1321677.  
37. NadhaA, Williams ES. New migraine with visual  
disturbance after cryoballoon ablation of atrial  
fibrillation. J Atr Fibrillation, 2017; 10 (3): 1646.  
38. Dumitrascu OM, Okazaki EM, Cobb SH, Zarka  
MA, De Souza SA, Kumar G, O’Carroll CB.  
Amyloid-Beta-Related Angiitis with Distinctive Neuro-  
Ophthalmologic Features. Neuro-Ophthalmology, 2017.  
DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2017.1374982.  
39. Chou MC, Lee CY, Chao SC. Temporary Visual Loss  
Due to Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome  
in the Case of an End-Stage Renal Disease Patient.  
Neuro-ophthalmology, 2018; 42 (1): 35-39.  
50. Rosini F, Pretegiani E, Guideri F, Cerase A, Rufa A.  
Eight and a Half Syndrome with Hemiparesis and  
Hemihypesthesia: The Nine Syndrome? Journal of  
Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 2013; 22 (8):  
e637-e638.  
51. Pehere N, Anjaneyulu C, Mittal R, Vemuganti G.  
Compressive Optic Neuropathy Caused by  
a
Cholesterol Granuloma of the Sphenoidal Sinus. Neuro-  
ophthalmology, 2011; 35 (2): 7880.  
52. Reyes KB, Goh KY, Cullen JF. Glare in a Case of a  
Craniopharyngioma. Neuro-ophthalmology, 2011; 35  
(2): 7375.  
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2020, Vol. 36 (2): 180-189  
188  
Tayyaba Gul Malik, et al  
53. Raghavendra S, Vasudha K, Shankar RS. Isolated  
trochlear nerve palsy with midbrain hemorrhage. Indian  
J Ophthalmol. 2010; 58: 66-67. DOI: 10.4103/0301-  
4738.58476.  
54. Asensio-Sánchez VM, Torreblanca-Agüera B,  
Martínez-Calvo S, Calvo MJ, Rodríguez R. Visual  
symptoms as the first manifestation of Alzheimers  
disease. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol. 2006; 81: 169-172.  
55. Lee AG, Martin CO. Neuro-ophthalmic Findings in  
the Visual Variant of Alzheimer‟s Disease.  
Ophthalmology, 2004; 111: 376381.  
Hurst RW. Acquired, Isolated Third Nerve Palsies in  
Infants with Cerebrovascular Malformations. Am J  
Ophthalmol. 2004; 138 (3): 485-486.  
58. Parsa CF, Hoyt CS, Lesser RL, Weinstein JM,  
Strother CM, Mendoza RM et al. Spontaneous  
Regression of Optic Gliomas: Thirteen Cases  
Documented  
by Serial  
Neuroimaging.  
Arch  
Ophthalmol. 2001; 119 (4): 516529.  
59. Lee AG, Lin DJ, Kaufman M, Golnik KC,  
Vaphiades MS, Eggenberger E. Atypical features  
prompting neuroimaging in acute optic neuropathy in  
adults. Can J Ophthalmol. 2000; 35: 325-30.  
60. Moster ML, Johnson MH. A neuro-ophthalmologist‟s  
perspective on Neuro-radiology. Seminars in  
Ultrasound, CT and MRI, 1998; 19 (3): 216-225.  
56. Freedman KA, Polepalle S. Transient Homonymous  
Hemianopia and Positive Visual Phenomena in  
Nonketotic Hyperglycemic Patients. Am J Ophthalmol.  
2004; 137: 11221124.  
57. Tamhankar MA, Liu GT, Young TL, Sutton LN,  
.…….  
189  
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2020, Vol. 36 (2): 180-189