Uncomplicated retrobulbar neuritis and the development of multiple sclerosis.

A retrospective study of 30 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of uncomplicated retrobulbar neuritis was carried out. The follow-up period was 2-11 years; 57% developed multiple sclerosis. When the initial examination revealed oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid, the risk of developing multiple sclerosis increased to 79%. With normal cerebrospinal fluid the risk decreased to only 10%. In the majority of cases, the diagnosis of MS was made during the first 3 years after retrobulbar neuritis.