Abducens nerve is present in patients with type 2 Duane's retraction syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the abducens nerve is present in patients with type 2 Duane's retraction syndrome (DRS).

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Twelve consecutive patients diagnosed with type 2 DRS.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records of ophthalmologic examination and thin-sectioned magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the brainstem level and the orbit was performed on 12 patients who showed the typical signs of type 2 DRS, including adduction deficit; globe retraction; narrowing of fissure on adduction; and upshoot, downshoot, or both.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence of the abducens nerve and any other extraocular muscle abnormalities discovered by MRI scan.

RESULTS

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of the abducens nerve in all the affected eyes (n = 13) of 12 patients with type 2 DRS.

CONCLUSIONS

The abducens nerve is present on the affected side in type 2 Duane's retraction syndrome.