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This abstract is assigned to session BSA - Belgian Strabismological Association

Title	Guidelines for the use of neuroradiology in clinical ophthalmology
Abstract Nr.	263

Purpose	The purpose of this presentation is to provide an insight into the imaging techniques for assessing the visual pathway and to define their appropriateness in the diagnostic approach of a patient presenting at the ophthalmology clinic.
Methods	The advantages and disadvantages of CT and MRI will be compared. The different anatomical regions (orbit, optic nerve, cranial nerves, cavernous sinus, optic chiasm and posterior visual pathway) will be discussed both in adults and children. This review will be illustrated in a wide range of diseases including traumatic, inflammatory, infectious, congenital and tumoral pathology.
Results	Acute trauma of the eye and orbit should be investigated by CT and additional MRI is needed in a patient with visual loss and normal CT findings. Acute inflammatory/infectious disorders can be assessed by CT or MRI but the access to CT is usually easier in an emergency situation. MRI should be used in tumoral and congenital pathology. Pathology of the optic nerve/chiasm and cranial nerves(congenital, inflammatory and tumoral) should be investigated by MRI. MRI is also the most appropriate technique to assess the cavernous sinus although CT may yield comparable findings in many cases. MRI is recommended for imaging the posterior visual pathway and the brain.
Conclusion	Generally speaking MRI will be superior to CT in the majority of requested examinations. The absence of ionising radiation is the most striking advantage of MRI, particularly in assessing the visual pathway. But MR examinations are less standardized than CT examinations and require a more tailored approach. CT remains valuable in assessing the orbit in acute traumatic and infectious events.

Author 1

Last name	DEMAEREL
Initials	Ph.
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven