[Functional diagnosis in follow-up of temporal arteritis treatment]

Abstract

Fourteen patients (28 eyes) suffering from histologically confirmed temporal arteritis were examined with oculo-oscillodynamography (OODG) according to Ulrich and Ulrich as well as with orbital dynamography (ODG) according to Hager. These examinations were performed before and during prednisolone treatment. When ocular and orbital vessels are involved, temporal arteritis will result in a strong reduction of the ocular and orbital pulse blood volumes. Ocular perfusion pressures may also be reduced. In all 28 eyes of the 14 patients, OODG showed the ocular pulse blood volumes to be significantly reduced, while with ODG the ocular pulse blood volumes appeared to be within the normal range in 50% of the cases. Therefore, OODG is more reliable than ODG in the diagnosis of temporal arteritis. When performed during prednisolone treatment, OODG is a very sensitive indicator of successful or unsuccessful therapy. OODG permits an early detection of relapses and helps to avoid their sequelae. Since OODG can be repeated as often as desired and can be performed within a short time, it is very suitable for controlling the management of temporal arteritis.