Visual loss and Ocular involvement in adult patients with intracranial neoplasms in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
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Date
2007Author
Marco, S.
Karimurio, J.
Kariuki, M.
Lubanga, P.
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and pattern of ocular manifestations in adults
with intracranial neoplasms.
Design: Cross sectional hospital based study
Settings: Neurosurgical Clinic and Ward of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) from
November 2005 to January 2006.
Subjects: 60 adult with intracranial neoplasm (32 females and 28 males)
Results: 31(52%) of the studied patients had not had any previous eye examination.
Ocular symptoms were reported in 44 (73%) patients. 38 (63%) had colour vision
defects, 20 (33%) papilloedema, 16 (27%) bilateral optic disc atrophy, 16 (27%)
defective extra-ocular motility, 11(18%) bilaterally blind, 10 (17%) nystagmus, 6 (10%)
proptosis and 4 (7%) diplopia. Only 11 (18%) of the patients had normal visual field. 40
(67%) were booked for routine follow-up at the Kenyatta Eye Clinic while 9 (15%) were
referred for Low Vision Assessment. All the 11 (18%) blind patients were referred for
rehabilitation.
Conclusion: Majority (73%) of patients attending the KNH Neurosurgical Clinic and
those admitted in Neurosurgical ward have ocular involvement and visual loss. Colour
vision defects were the commonest manifestations while total blindness was the most
serious complication.
Recommendation: Neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists should work together as a team
to ensure timely and comprehensive assessment and management of all patients with
intracranial tumours both pre-operative and post-operatively. Stable patients with
irreversibly visual impairment and blindness should be referred for Low vision therapy
and rehabilitation.
Citation
East Afr. j. ophthalmol. Vol.13, No. 1 May 2007Publisher
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University Of Nairobi
Collections
- Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) [10378]