Diameter of The Optic Nerve Sheath and Its Value in Medical Practice

Abstract

Introduction: Measuring the diameter of the optic nerve sheath is a necessary tool for the immediate evaluation of intracranial hypertension risk.

Objective: To describe the use of ultrasound in measuring the diameter of the optic nerve sheath in estimating intracranial pressure in two patients.

Case report: Two cases are reported. the first was a 65-year-old male patient diagnosed with left temporal cerebral infarction in deep stupor who underwent an ultrasound with measurement of the diameter of the optic nerve sheath and 9.9 mmHg estimated intracranial pressure. The second case was a 56-year-old male patient diagnosed with intraparenchymal cerebral hemorrhage and in a reactive coma. He was evaluated by ultrasound with measurement of the diameter of the optic nerve sheath and 25.3 mmHg estimated intracranial pressure. Intracranial hypertension was diagnosed and timely treatment was implemented. Both patients had no complications during their recovery.

Conclusions: Ultrasound with diameter measurement of the optic nerve sheath emerges as a tool that is easy to implement in the evaluation of intracranial pressure, allowing live exploration of the patient, without requiring the patient’s referral.