Radiographical documentation of direct injury of the intracanalicular segment of the optic nerve in the orbital apex syndrome.

In the radiographical evaluation of the orbital apex syndrome, standard radiographs, tomograms, and computed tomographic scans have proved useful in the demonstration of the bony pathology, especially for optic canal fractures. The limitation of these methods, however, remains in their inability to provide accurate delineation of the associated soft tissue pathology, including the presence of optic nerve sheath hematoma. Recent developments in computer technology and graphic imaging are now available to provide an accurate three-dimensional radiographical analysis of the extent of skeletal and soft tissue injury in the orbital apex syndrome. The physician, in essence, can perform a radiographical "living autopsy". The technique was used to evaluate a patient with bilateral apex syndrome. It clearly showed that a severe direct injury to the intracanalicular portion of the optic nerve was responsible for the development of blindness in this patient. The progression of optic nerve injury, from perineural sheath hematoma to the ultimate development of optic nerve atrophy and fibrosis, was radiographically documented.