Which MRI finding is commonly associated with optic neuritis?

Which MRI finding is commonly associated with optic neuritis?

• A. Enhancement of the optic nerve
• B. Complete atrophy of optic nerve
• C. Calcifications in the optic nerve
• D. Absence of optic nerve signal

Answer: (B)

Optic neuritis is an inflammatory process of the optic nerve. The inflammation damages the blood-nerve barrier, so contrast given during MRI leaks into the nerve and produces enhancement. This enhancement, often seen with some swelling of the optic nerve, is the most common imaging sign of active optic neuritis. Edema can also appear as increased T2 signal. Over time, persistent inflammation can lead to axonal loss and eventual optic atrophy, but that atrophy is a late change and not the typical presenting finding. Calcifications or complete absence of signal are not characteristic features of acute optic neuritis.

Optic neuritis is an inflammatory process of the optic nerve. The inflammation damages the blood-nerve barrier, so contrast given during MRI leaks into the nerve and produces enhancement. This enhancement, often seen with some swelling of the optic nerve, is the most common imaging sign of active optic neuritis. Edema can also appear as increased T2 signal. Over time, persistent inflammation can lead to axonal loss and eventual optic atrophy, but that atrophy is a late change and not the typical presenting finding. Calcifications or complete absence of signal are not characteristic features of acute optic neuritis.