Bilateral posterior ischemic optic neuropathy after lumbar spine surgery.

Abstract

To report a case of bilateral posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) in a healthy young patient after lumbar spine surgery which was initially diagnosed as functional visual loss. Observational case report. A 33-year-old woman who experienced visual loss in the immediate postoperative period after a lumbar spine fusion. Serial visual field testing and fundus examinations, ERG. Bilateral PION was confirmed 2 months postoperatively with the development of bilateral optic disc pallor and a normal ERG. Young patients without vascular risk factors may develop bilateral PION after otherwise uncomplicated lumbar spine surgery. In subjects complaining of visual loss in the postoperative period who have a normal fundus and normal neuroimaging, a diagnosis of PION should be suspected, and close follow-up is warranted.