PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical significance of optic chiasmal edema (OCE) observed in hydrocephalus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with obstructive hydrocephalus and eight patients with communicating hydrocephalus were recruited. We classified both groups into OCE-positive and negative subgroups on three-dimensional T2-weighted images. In the obstructive hydrocephalus group, the pre- and postoperative periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) grade, Evans index, and third ventricle diameter were compared between the subgroups. The visual disturbances were reviewed in the medical records. RESULTS: Eleven obstructive hydrocephalus patients (55 %) had OCE, while none of communicating hydrocephalus patients did. OCE was improved in all patients postoperatively. Preoperative PVH grade was significantly higher in the OCE-positive subgroup (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the other indices. Visual disturbances were observed in two OCE-negative patients alone. CONCLUSION: OCE is a reversible finding frequently observed in obstructive hydrocephalus and may not be associated with visual disturbances.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical significance of optic chiasmal edema (OCE) observed in hydrocephalus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with obstructive hydrocephalus and eight patients with communicating hydrocephalus were recruited. We classified both groups into OCE-positive and negative subgroups on three-dimensional T2-weighted images. In the obstructive hydrocephalus group, the pre- and postoperative periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) grade, Evans index, and third ventricle diameter were compared between the subgroups. The visual disturbances were reviewed in the medical records. RESULTS: Eleven obstructive hydrocephaluspatients (55 %) had OCE, while none of communicating hydrocephaluspatients did. OCE was improved in all patients postoperatively. Preoperative PVH grade was significantly higher in the OCE-positive subgroup (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the other indices. Visual disturbances were observed in two OCE-negative patients alone. CONCLUSION: OCE is a reversible finding frequently observed in obstructive hydrocephalus and may not be associated with visual disturbances.