DR. POORVA SHRIVASTAVA

DR. SRIVASTAVA LALIT

Abstract

Optic neuropathy has been observed to occur frequently after radiation therapy to paranasal sinuses and skull base malignancies. Doses over 5000 cGy are hazardous to the optic nerve .This study was conducted at a tertiary care institute over eight patients ( 5 cases of paranasal sinuses malignancy and 3 cases of skull base malognancy ) which received more than 5000 cGy radiation of cobalt 60 .After a period of six weeks , five cases developed, diminution of visual acuity , optic disc pallor, altitudinal field defects .

MRI findings included enhancement of the optic nerve and optic chiasma .

These cases were subsequently treated with steroids and hyperbaric oxygen, following which three cases had significant improvement in the visual acuity and the rest did not .

Timely diagnosis , management and regulation of the radiotherapy dose can prevent and also improve the prognosis of such cases .