Retrochiasmal Visual Field Defects From Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to report five cases of retrochiasmal visual field defects in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), to comment on the incidence of this, and to review the literature on this subject. Holden¹ states that in advanced cases of MS almost any type of visual defect may be observed; however, there is general agreement that homonymous hemianopsia is a rare occurrence in this disease. Nielsen² reports that it is occasionally noted as a transitory phenomenon in early cases of MS. Alpers³ notes that although homonymous hemianopsia is rare, it has been observed in MS. Oppenheim, Rae, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society⁴ report its occasional occurrence. Luban⁵ noted the rarity of homonymous hemianopsia in inflammatory diseases and in demyelinating diseases, in contrast with its frequent occurrence in neoplastic and vascular conditions. Savitsky and Rangell⁶ studied 50 verified cases of MS