Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Mri Findings Compared With Optic Neuritis: A Narrative Review Publisher



Yadegari S
Source: Caspian Journal of Neurological Sciences Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Optic neuritis (ON) and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) are two common causes of optic neuropathies in adults. The distinction of these two diseases could be challenging, especially in middle-aged patients with no cerebrovascular risk factors. Objectives: We aimed to review current studies regarding orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics that may help differentiate equivocal cases. Materials & Methods: All studies that had compared MRI findings in NAION and ON in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar between 1990 and December 2024 were searched, and their outcomes were subtracted and summarized. Results: Few studies have compared MRI findings in these two conditions. The presence and location of optic nerve enhancement and the pattern of cerebral white matter lesions seem to be the most determining MRI parameters in these cases. Conclusion: Intra-orbital enhancement may be in favor of ON. However, if there is any enhancement in NAION, it might be observed in the head of the optic nerve. Further prospective studies are needed to better clarify the details of MRI findings. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.