VISIBLE RETINAL ARTERIOLAR SPASM ASSOCIATED WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract

In this note is reported a phenomenon associated with multiple sclerosis which, so far as we know, has not previously been described. Associated with abrupt attacks of visual impairment consisting of shimmering and the presence of multiple dark areas, spasm of the retinal arterioles could be seen on examination with a Morton ophthalmoscope. In the first case brief inhalation of amyl nitrite abolished both the spasm and the visual impairment. In the second case the same phenomenon occurred, except that the attacks disappeared spontaneously. In the third case attacks of blurred vision were relieved by amyl nitrite. REPORT OF CASES Case 1. —F. M., a white woman aged 30, had a neurologic ailment which had been diagnosed as multiple sclerosis by several observers. She was referred to one of us by Dr. Bernard Glueck. In May 1943 she began to stagger to the right side for brief periods, the attacks