Neuroimaging in atypical normal tension glaucoma: debating routine implementation in the absence of classic neurological findings

Abstract

AIM: To assess the necessity of neuroimaging in patients with neurological or atypical findings of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) who do not exhibit typical glaucoma manifestations. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 90 atypical NTG patients who underwent cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to atypical symptoms. The demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, and radiological findings were recorded. RESULTS: Among the patients, 66.7% had abnormal radiology results, with the most common findings being gliosis (34.4%), sequelae of cerebrovascular events and vascular malformations (14.4%), and benign intracranial mass lesions (11%). Non-glaucomatous visual field defects were more frequently observed in patients with abnormal neuroimaging results. However, there were no significant differences in intraocular pressure, optic disc parameters, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and visual field indices between patients with normal and abnormal radiological results. The mean age of the patients was 58.74y. Interestingly, there was a significant age difference, with the abnormal radiology group having a higher median age (P=0.021). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of cranial imaging in older NTG patients to detect underlying pathologies and prevent misdiagnosis. It suggests that neuroimaging may be warranted in NTG patients with atypical visual field defects incompatible with glaucoma. However, routine neuroimaging in all NTG patients without classic neurological signs may not be necessary.