Alison B Callahan1,2,3, Ashley A Campbell1,2,4, Susel Oropesa5, Aryeh Baraban, Michael Kazim1,2,5. 1. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive, and Orbital Surgery Division, Department of Ophthalmology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York. 3. Oculoplastic Surgery Service, Department of Ophthalmology, New England Eye Center at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts. 4. Oculoplastic Division, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Maryland. 5. Columbia University Medical School, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Diagnosing thyroid eye disease-compressive optic neuropathy (TED-CON) is challenging, particularly in cases lacking a relative afferent pupillary defect. Large case series of TED-CON patients and accessible diagnostic tools are lacking in the current literature. This study aims to create a mathematical formula that accurately predicts the presence or absence of CON based on the most salient clinical measures of optic neuropathy. METHODS: A retrospective case series compares 108 patients (216 orbits) with either unilateral or bilateral TED-CON and 41 age-matched patients (82 orbits) with noncompressive TED. Utilizing clinical variables assessing optic nerve function and/or risk of compressive disease, and with the aid of generalized linear regression modeling, the authors create a mathematical formula that weighs the relative contribution of each clinical variable in the overall prediction of CON. RESULTS: Data from 213 orbits in 110 patients derived the formula: y = -0.69 + 2.58 × (afferent pupillary defect) - 0.31 × (summed limitation of ductions) - 0.2 × (mean deviation on Humphrey visual field testing) - 0.02 × (% color plates). This accurately predicted the presence of CON (y > 0) versus non-CON (y < 0) in 82% of cases with 83% sensitivity and 81% specificity. When there was no relative afferent pupillary defect, which was the case in 63% of CON orbits, the formula correctly predicted CON in 78% of orbits with 73% sensitivity and 83% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The authors developed a mathematical formula, the Columbia TED-CON Diagnostic Formula (CTD Formula), that can help guide clinicians in accurately diagnosing TED-CON, particularly in the presence of bilateral disease and when no relative afferent pupillary defect is present.
PURPOSE: Diagnosing thyroid eye disease-compressive optic neuropathy (TED-CON) is challenging, particularly in cases lacking a relative afferent pupillary defect. Large case series of TED-CON patients and accessible diagnostic tools are lacking in the current literature. This study aims to create a mathematical formula that accurately predicts the presence or absence of CON based on the most salient clinical measures of optic neuropathy. METHODS: A retrospective case series compares 108 patients (216 orbits) with either unilateral or bilateral TED-CON and 41 age-matched patients (82 orbits) with noncompressive TED. Utilizing clinical variables assessing optic nerve function and/or risk of compressive disease, and with the aid of generalized linear regression modeling, the authors create a mathematical formula that weighs the relative contribution of each clinical variable in the overall prediction of CON. RESULTS: Data from 213 orbits in 110 patients derived the formula: y = -0.69 + 2.58 × (afferent pupillary defect) - 0.31 × (summed limitation of ductions) - 0.2 × (mean deviation on Humphrey visual field testing) - 0.02 × (% color plates). This accurately predicted the presence of CON (y > 0) versus non-CON (y < 0) in 82% of cases with 83% sensitivity and 81% specificity. When there was no relative afferent pupillary defect, which was the case in 63% of CON orbits, the formula correctly predicted CON in 78% of orbits with 73% sensitivity and 83% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The authors developed a mathematical formula, the Columbia TED-CON Diagnostic Formula (CTD Formula), that can help guide clinicians in accurately diagnosing TED-CON, particularly in the presence of bilateral disease and when no relative afferent pupillary defect is present.